Building Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm: Source of Boundless Energy

The word enthusiasm comes from Greek and means God within (entheos). It refers to a divine spark or fire that burns within the breast of those with a passion for a cause, job, or life in general. Enthusiasm, according to Henry Ford, is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas. Enthusiasm is all that and a lot more. Years may wrinkle the skin, but the absence of enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. For this reason, Malcolm S. Forbes said, People who never get carried away should be!

Did you ever return from a hard day of work completely drained? You plop down in a chair exhausted. After hearing a ring, you get up and struggle to the phone. Your friend is on the line, enthusiastically describing a party taking place at his home. Come on over, he says. You know what happens next . . . Suddenly you find yourself filled with energy and on your way to the party. That is an example of the power of enthusiasm. It is a source of boundless energy. The trick is to expand your passion to include your job, family, and all that life encompasses. Once you do so, youll never be tired again.

Enthusiasm will not only make you more productive, but it will lighten burdens and make obstacles easier to overcome. You will have the energy to succeed. It will also make you happier, for as Charles Kingsley wrote, We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief goals of life, when  all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about.

Enthusiasm is contagious, but so is the lack of it. Look about. Are your companions moping around with glazed eyes? If so, maybe its because of you! Turn on your mental ignition; get excited, and you will find that your enthusiasm will spark theirs. When you are enthusiastic in the workplace, you inspire others and gain their cooperation.

How do we cultivate enthusiasm? Begin by being aware. Wake up and appreciate all that you have. What about your beautiful home? Im not speaking about the apartment or house that you live in, but the universe. We are on a small planet, circling a minor star, which is at the edge of one of a hundred thousand million galaxies. Vast as the universe is, we can contain it within our mind! How incredible we are! Like the universe, we have unlimited potential! Isnt that something to be excited about? Enthusiasm can be an expression of the joy of existence.

What about your job? You wont be enthusiastic about it unless you love what you do. If you were unable to find a job that you are passionate about, make the best of the situation. Look for the good and the potential of your present job. Also, make a plan and take action that will lead you to the job of your dreams. It may be a long struggle before you get there, but like climbing Mount Everest, you will find the journey exhilarating.

Dont waste time by hanging out with negative people. Stick with a circle of enthusiastic and optimistic friends. If you need more acquaintances, consider joining a club such as the Optimist Club or Toastmasters, for their members are usually enthusiastic.

We live in the largest room in the world. The room for improvement! The fact that we can improve ourselves is exciting. A sure way to inject some enthusiasm into your life is to take some adult education courses, read some good books, learn the martial arts, how to dance, or anything else. Embrace life and light the torch of others with your own enthusiasm.

Another helpful act is to keep a Gratitude Journal. Keep a diary or journal, and at the end of each day list at least five things that you are grateful for. This will help you focus on the positive and appreciate life. When done every day, Gratitude Journals can transform lives.

Finally, lets remember the words of H.W. Arnold: The worst bankruptcy in the world is the person who has lost his enthusiasm.