I'm currently in Osaka, Japan working on a project for a new client. Last night, our local clients were kind enough to take us to a Hanshin Tigers baseball game.

I had a vague inking that baseball was big in Japan, but I had no idea how big. The game was hands down the most fun I've ever had at a baseball game.

When the Tigers were at bat, every single fan in the stadium knocked plastic bats together and chanted a specific song for each batter. At the seventh inning stretch, they passed out giant ballons to every person in the park, which you were instructed to blow up and let go at exactly the same time. Imagine over 100 thousand balloons of all colors shooting crazily into the air all at once and then raining down on the crowd - pretty amazing!

It was incredible to see how enthusiastic every Tigers fan was, despite the fact their team is next to last in the standings.

It reminded me of the power of enthusiasm, and how it has a way of building on itself and creating its own positive momentum (the Tigers ended up beating the Hiroshima Carp 6-0)

It also reminded me how cyncism has exactly the opposite effect, tearing everything down before anything can take root.

Next time things get tough and I am tempted to get a little negative, I am going to think of those Tigers Fans!