From Chapter 10 “Optimism/Enthusiasm” in Ingredients of Outliers. The Electricity of Life One characteristic that, in my experience, goes hand in hand with optimism is enthusiasm. That’s certainly been the case with the optimists I’ve known and it’s true in my life as well. In fact, “enthusiasm” is listed among the synonyms I found for “optimism.” One of my favorite definitions of enthusiasm came from a man named Gordon Parks. "Enthusiasm,” he wrote, “is the electricity of life. How do you get it? You act enthusiastic until you make it a habit. Enthusiasm is natural; it … [Read more...]
$500 and a Last Wish
It was just a normal day for server Omar Ramirez at the Rio Mirage Café in El Mirage, Ariz. He had been waiting tables at the restaurant for six years. During his shift on Thursday, November 7, he waited on a table of two, generally an easy feat for such a seasoned waiter. Towards the end of the meal, the two people were in quite a rush to get their check, but for a reason Ramirez did not expect. Upon opening the tab post-service, Ramirez discovered the table had left him $500 in addition to his tip! Ramirez is the 76th person around the country to receive a tip of $500 from Seth Collins … [Read more...]