My name is John and my signature word is “awesome”. People often ask why “awesome” passes through my lips so frequently and finds its way into my blog posts so easily. I thought I’d take a moment to explain why and also outline three reasons why you should celebrate awesomeness, too.

Why I say “awesome” so much

The word “awesome” is an extension of my very positive attitude towards work and life. Harnessing my inner child, I am genuinely in awe of the world and its people. Natural and built environments – like old growth forests and really big bridges – are inspiring. The unyielding potential of the human will is amazing. In my 33 years on this planet I have learned that people gravitate towards those who make them feel great. My celebration of awesome people and things, as it turns out, has become a personal and professional differentiator that has contributed to my Awesome Award winning success.

My Awesome Award is named Chestnut and it is on a worldwide journey of awesomeness.

Here are three reasons why I love and use the word “awesome” and why you should, too.

Enthusiasm is contagious.

“Our team is awesome!”

People want to spend time with people who make them feel good. According to Fast Company’s Harvey Deutschendorf, my enthusiastic espousal of awesomeness probably means that I have slightly above average emotional intelligence. Being a happy, positive person has several benefits. Improving physical health, building a more productive team, and treating failures as lessons all derive from being an enthusiastic person.

People achieve great things when you emphasize their strengths.

“This report is awesome!”

My assertion is that healthy communities are ones where the word “awesome” is overheard with great frequency. Donald Clifton, James Harter and the Gallup Organization probably agree with me. Their hypothesis that the greatest gains in human development are based on investment in what people do best naturally has been successfully proven in workplaces, classrooms and communities around the world. Simply put, leaders inspire people to reach their potential by lauding their awesomeness and finding opportunities for them to put their talents on display.

Happy people acknowledge and celebrate the little things.

“Everything is awesome!”

Practicing gratitude – for friends, for work, for health, for a second chance, for everything – and reflecting on what you are thankful for can make you a happier person. So, finish this article, pour yourself a delicious beverage, and think about something that, to you, is awesome. And if you’re stuck there is a blog and some books examining over 1,000 awesome things.

Speak optimism. One of the best compliments that I have ever received is that I brought the word “awesome” to Vancity Savings Credit Union before The Lego Movie did. My use of such language at work has a purpose: “When you influence the dialogue around new ideas, you will influence broader patterns of behaviour,” explain Tom Kelley and David Kelley in their book, Creative Confidence.

Yes, I know that not everything in work, life and the world is positive – there are horrible problems everywhere. And my contention is that our communities will become healthier and happier because of enthusiastic people who make “awesome” their signature word and live lives that back up what they say.