Back when I was doing my acting training, there was one undeniable truth: as a beginner actor, your best shot at getting hired was in commercials. Forget starring in a gritty indie film or landing a Netflix series straight out of the gate – your bread and butter was selling rugs, toothpaste, or life insurance with a big, convincing smile.
Naturally, we were trained for it. One memorable session had us in a group exercise that still sticks with me today. We were asked to pretend we were in a Home Furniture store – a bunch of friends who had just rented an apartment together – and we were tasked with picking a rug for the living room. Sounds simple, right?
The Rug Fiasco
The scene began, and it quickly turned into chaos.
- “I don’t like this rug.”
- “This one’s ugly. Why would you even suggest that?”
- “Are you kidding? This one’s clearly the best.”
We were playing our roles, leaning into the drama of it all, making faces and being opinionated, thinking we were nailing it. Then our teacher hit us with a question:
“Do you think there’s any chance this would ever air on TV and convince anyone to buy that rug?”1
Cue laughter, followed by a collective ohhh. Watching it back, we realised how ridiculous we looked. Nobody wants to buy a rug from a bunch of people bickering on screen. The whole vibe was wrong.
Positivity Sells
The lesson was simple but brilliant: in commercials, even if you disagree, you stay positive. You smile, you nod, you make everything seem bright and fun – even when you think the rug is hideous.
Why? Because commercials aren’t about reality. They’re about creating an aspirational version of life. You’re not just selling a product – you’re selling a feeling, a lifestyle, a little slice of happiness.
Positivity in Life: More Than Just a Smile
Here’s where it gets interesting. What started as a lesson in acting turned out to be a lesson in life. Positivity isn’t just a tool to sell rugs; it’s a mindset that shapes how we interact with the world – and it’s surprisingly powerful. Now, I’m not saying you should walk through life grinning like a toothpaste ad, but that lesson has stayed with me.
Think about it:
- When was the last time you left a meeting or conversation thinking, Wow, that negativity really inspired me?
- Or felt uplifted after someone dumped their frustrations on you without offering a single silver lining?
Exactly.
A little positivity goes a long way!
1. It Inspires Connection
People are naturally drawn to positivity. When you approach situations with an open, optimistic attitude, it creates an inviting space for connection. Think about it: you’re more likely to listen to and collaborate with someone who exudes warmth and hope than someone who radiates negativity.
2. It Fosters Resilience
Life is going to throw challenges at you – it’s inevitable. Positivity doesn’t make those challenges disappear, but it changes how you respond to them. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, you start looking for what’s possible. This shift in perspective can make all the difference when you’re navigating tough times.
3. It Amplifies Empathy
Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring other people’s pain or struggles. In fact, it can help you show up for others more fully. When you’re not bogged down by your own negativity, you have more mental and emotional energy to listen, support, and uplift those around you.
Positivity and Empathy: A Perfect Pair
At its core, positivity isn’t about being naïve or fake – it’s about believing in the potential for good, even when it’s hard to see.
Empathy operates on the same wavelength. To truly understand and connect with others, you need to believe in their capacity for change, growth, and redemption. Positivity fuels that belief.
- Humanitarians leverage positivity to imagine a better world and inspire others to join their cause.
- Visionaries use positivity to see opportunities where others see obstacles, creating solutions that benefit everyone.
In this way, positivity isn’t just a personal mindset – it’s a ripple effect that can transform communities and systems. And helping you transform communities and systems for the better is what this blog is about.
Winning at Life: The Positivity Advantage
So, how does this all tie together? Whether you’re trying to land a role in a commercial, lead a team, or simply navigate your day-to-day life, positivity is a game-changer. It’s not about ignoring reality or sugar-coating the truth – it’s about choosing to engage with the world in a way that uplifts rather than drags down.
The next time life throws you a challenge, think back to that rug commercial. Smile, nod, and remember: sometimes, it’s not about the rug. It’s about the energy you bring to the room – and the impact you leave behind.
Because positivity doesn’t just sell rugs. It builds relationships, fosters resilience, and creates a world where empathy and vision have a chance to thrive. And honestly? That’s a world I’d buy into any day.
- Special thanks to my teacher, Kat Harrison for that one. ↩︎
Ika’s Inklings 