As a motivational speaker I speak before hundreds or thousands of people every month. I love my job and feel very lucky to be part of that much laughter.

One of the best side effects of my job is that it is nearly impossible to tell other people to lighten up, be happy, and use levity and humor as a tool, and not have some of that spin back to me. For example, can you imagine telling thousands of people to lighten up and take themselves less seriously, and then yelling at the flight attendant? Neither can I, so I never do, and that’s part of what I love about my job.  I’m a professional Nice Guy!

Every now and then, I get a very special gift. I receive a letter from somebody in my audience. I suspect it is like the elementary school teacher who wonders if he or she makes any difference at all, and then some lanky 16 year old kid comes back to say thanks for inspiring him to read or to investigate fossils, or some other important nugget.

The elementary school teacher probably just melts in her shoes.  What a gift!  A simple thank you.

Such was the case when I got this amazing letter from someone who was part of a company I worked for in Texas.  This company was so unusual, so purposeful in their pursuit of ways to make work fun and interesting.  Generally my job is to help companies or organizations see the importance of happiness and fun at work, and how that happiness can directly relate to better bottom line results.  But in this case I was preaching to the choir.  This was a company filled with people who already knew how to have fun at work.  They had it down!  It might sound trite or cliché but I learned as much from them as they learned from me. It was an honor.

Here’s the letter. It made me feel good and very happy to receive.

Hi Brad,

Im sure you get this all the time but from what I could tell of your personality Im sure it never gets old for you so….

I just wanted to say Thank You for coming to talk to us and let you know how much not only I, but our entire company, enjoyed your presentation.  I can walk down the hallway and still hear people talking about it and laughing.  You have given us a sense of rejuvenation by showing us how to accept happiness in our work and it has already started to translate into a healthier environment.  You have been given a gift, and I wish the very best for you in your business and life endeavors, because I know now how much joy you can bring to peoples’ lives.  Take care and I hope we meet again sometime down the road.  If nothing else, at least you have over a hundred new friends that can help you if you ever need an AC Drive–HOW COOL IS THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)

Johnnie S.
Last name and company withheld.
Dallas, Texas

Johnnie, you absolutely made my day. Thanks for taking time out of your life to lift other people up – in this case me.

And that’s my point:  Johnnie is a good role model. Who can you compliment or thank today that will make them feel as good as Johnnie made me feel?  Thankfulness is a powerful tool and an awesome motivator.  It works on both the giver and the receiver.

So share some thankfulness and motivation today.  Start what I call a Joy Loop, and get back as much good feelings as you give.  It worked for me!

If you or your organization needs a boost and a reminder about the power of happiness at work, or is looking for a funny motivational speaker who can both motivate and entertain. I hope you’ll give us a call.

Here’s a short video clip of the flash mob we did with Johnnie and his organization there in Texas. Can you believe we did a flash mob for a corporate outing? Look at their faces and tell me you don’t want that for your group. :-)

Looking for a motivational speaker for your event? Contact me here.

Brad Montgomery
Motivational Speaker, Texas Speaker, Totally Flattered Dude!