Last week, I met a man on the subway who had the biggest smile on his face. Huge. Bigger than mine.

I was curious. Most people on the DC Metro are expressionless if not scowly; a man with an obvious and inviting smile stands out like a plaid jacket in a church choir. I had to ask him why he was so happy.

“Because I’ve just had a more productive day than anyone on this train.”

I was skeptical. From a personal standpoint, I had just had one of my most productive days since coming to DC: I had completed a report, I had run a workshop, I had even had time to go to the gym, eat a hearty breakfast, and pack a lunch before leaving for work. How could this man be sure that his day was the most productive?

He went on to explain.

“This morning, I told my wife I loved her and she smiled. I gave my daughter a hug before going to school and she smiled. I told a colleague that I appreciated his work and he smiled. I bought coffee for a police officer and he smiled. I told my manager that she was the best supervisor I had ever had and she smiled. I helped a woman with a newborn get her stroller down the stairs and she smiled. And now, I’m telling you all of this and you’re smiling.”

I was. He went on.

“My direct actions made several people smile today. And hopefully, they’ll go on to make other people smile because of that. I’d call that a pretty productive day.”

I guess it all depends on how you define success.

He was right. My report? My run on the treadmill? Sure, they were good successes, but they didn’t directly impact anyone but myself.

Today, I’m going to be more productive — going to help more people smile. Hopefully, starting with this post.

(Photo of the metro by WisDoc.)