The best ideas are merely intellectual curiosities until put 
into action. Success is measured by action. Life is not a spectator 
sport. 
 
We must have a plan of action. Even if it calls for us to do 
nothing for now, planned passivity is better than immobilization by 
despair. Yes, there is risk involved in taking action. In fact, there is 
a certain degree of risk in every breath we take. But if we are willing 
to be bold in putting our humor nature into action, we will find 
that the risks have been vastly overrated. Others are surprisingly 
receptive and supportive, once we take the initiative. 
 
Which brings us to the second aspect of this 
“commandment” — interacting. Nobody achieves success without 
help from others. Even the Lone Ranger, the quintessential symbol 
for going it alone, had Tonto at his side. 
 23
 
 
Have you noticed that your sense of humor becomes stronger 
the moment it connects with another person? Amusing yourself is 
better than nothing. Sharing your humor with others is the best. 
 
You will find that if you make the effort to reach out with humor, 
others will be eager to meet you more than half way. 
 
Here’s an exercise to help with this challenge: 

Exercise #9: 
 
Reach out. Engage other people at every opportunity. 
A childlike, playful spirit is the best approach. Despite the impersonal 
tendencies of modern technology, there are many everyday situations 
in which we find ourselves in close proximity to other people. Do 
we interact? Usually not. 
 
A prime example is a ride in an elevator. Here we have a 
small room, many people, and no windows. So what do we do with 
this golden opportunity to interact? We stare silently at the numbers 
over the door. 
 
Don’t ever let this happen to you again. Say something - 
anything. Break the silence. 
 
My favorite ploy is to announce, “If I’d known so many 
were coming to this meeting, I’d have reserved a bigger room.” Then 
I’ll ask for somebody to give the treasurer’s report. Someone usually 
“volunteers”, and has some fun with it. I’ll ask departing passengers 
how they want to vote on the upcoming merger issue. Newcomers 
are greeted with, “You missed the first part of the meeting, but 
don’t feel left out. We elected you president.” By the time we’ve 
gone a few floors, everybody’s smiling and having fun. It’s silly. But 
it’s better than staring at the numbers. 
 
There are many similar situations. It’s ludicrous to be thrown 
into face-to-face contact and have nothing to say to each other. 
 
Don’t let it happen. Reach out. You never know whom you might 
meet.