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.
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, you will 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.
Enthusiasm is contagious, but so is the lack of it. Look about. Are your companions moping around with glazed eyes? If so, maybe it is 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 win their cooperation.
Turbocharging Enthusiasm
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, you will 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.
Enthusiasm is contagious, but so is the lack of it. Look about. Are your companions moping around with glazed eyes? If so, maybe it is 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 win their cooperation.
Turbocharging Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm, like the fuel in the tank of our car, will take us where we wish to go. But when we turbocharge it, enthusiasm transforms into passion. An all-consuming passion provides the drive and commitment to succeed.
A person without passion has no more value than a candle without a flame or fire without light. By passion I mean zeal, fiery enthusiasm, or fervor. It is the force that relentlessly drives one forward. It is a burning desire that creates commitment to a person, project, or to life itself. A world without passion is a world without Mother Teresa, Mozart, or Michelangelo. Every great endeavour has been fueled by passion.
The opposite of passion is indifference. A society in which no one cares about their job or country is on the verge of collapse. Passion is the motor that propels us to our destination and the glue that binds our society together. However, not all passion is good. The fire which enlightens is the same fire which consumes.
Also, passion is not to be confused with obsession. When we are obsessed, we are controlled by cravings. We become slaves to addictions and compulsions. The only progress we make is downward. Once we are in a tailspin, it’s hard to recover by ourselves. So, if we find ourselves in such a predicament, we need to find outside help. Passion, on the other hand, is a conscious decision. We choose to devote ourselves to a worthwhile cause, such as our family, career, or charity.
Passion has magical power. It can bring the nonexistent into existence. Another magical quality of passion is its ability to lighten our load. With the wave of a wand, work becomes fun! Tedious effort becomes exciting! Passion is also power,
You will also find that doors that are locked suddenly open for those with passion. How can one resist their enthusiasm? Even if the doors remained shut, the fire of their passion would burn them down! The passionate have big dreams and big dreams come with big problems. But who cares? Those with passion are focused on their goals, not themselves. They are wrapped up in their dreams, not their worries. They don’t have the time or inclination for self-pity. When things go wrong, they learn from their mistakes and quickly continue on their way.
Consider for a moment, what are the alternatives to a life of passion? Would you rather go to work with a frown, instead of a smile? Would you rather lead an empty life or one filled with purpose? Would you rather delight in or dread the beginning of a new day? Would you rather be barely surviving or a success? Whenever it is a matter of ability or passion, passion is always the victor in the battle for success.
Recapping the Benefits of Enthusiasm and Passion
A person without passion has no more value than a candle without a flame or fire without light. By passion I mean zeal, fiery enthusiasm, or fervor. It is the force that relentlessly drives one forward. It is a burning desire that creates commitment to a person, project, or to life itself. A world without passion is a world without Mother Teresa, Mozart, or Michelangelo. Every great endeavour has been fueled by passion.
The opposite of passion is indifference. A society in which no one cares about their job or country is on the verge of collapse. Passion is the motor that propels us to our destination and the glue that binds our society together. However, not all passion is good. The fire which enlightens is the same fire which consumes.
Also, passion is not to be confused with obsession. When we are obsessed, we are controlled by cravings. We become slaves to addictions and compulsions. The only progress we make is downward. Once we are in a tailspin, it’s hard to recover by ourselves. So, if we find ourselves in such a predicament, we need to find outside help. Passion, on the other hand, is a conscious decision. We choose to devote ourselves to a worthwhile cause, such as our family, career, or charity.
Passion has magical power. It can bring the nonexistent into existence. Another magical quality of passion is its ability to lighten our load. With the wave of a wand, work becomes fun! Tedious effort becomes exciting! Passion is also power,
You will also find that doors that are locked suddenly open for those with passion. How can one resist their enthusiasm? Even if the doors remained shut, the fire of their passion would burn them down! The passionate have big dreams and big dreams come with big problems. But who cares? Those with passion are focused on their goals, not themselves. They are wrapped up in their dreams, not their worries. They don’t have the time or inclination for self-pity. When things go wrong, they learn from their mistakes and quickly continue on their way.
Consider for a moment, what are the alternatives to a life of passion? Would you rather go to work with a frown, instead of a smile? Would you rather lead an empty life or one filled with purpose? Would you rather delight in or dread the beginning of a new day? Would you rather be barely surviving or a success? Whenever it is a matter of ability or passion, passion is always the victor in the battle for success.
Recapping the Benefits of Enthusiasm and Passion
1. When we plug into enthusiasm or passion, we plug into energy. Another way to say this is with the formula, “E=mc2.” That is,Enthusiasm = motivation x courage. In other words, enthusiasm equals the willingness and courage to act. The path to greatness is covered with obstacles, which explains why so few achieve it. But enthusiasm provides the energy to succeed.
2. Do you wish to be a leader? The key to charisma, persuasion, and influence is enthusiasm and passion.
2. Do you wish to be a leader? The key to charisma, persuasion, and influence is enthusiasm and passion.
3. Know how and talent offer little help when unaccompanied by enthusiasm. But passion transforms ordinary people into extraordinary ones. Every great deed was brought about by enthusiasm.
4. Enthusiasm makes life more pleasant.
4. Enthusiasm makes life more pleasant.
Caveats
1. We have a natural yearning for excitement, but if we do not channel that desire properly, we may seek it in all the wrong places, such as drugs. Are you searching for happiness? Do not waste your time. Rather, search for something good to be enthusiastic about, and happiness will automatically follow.
2. Dare to dream big. It is hard to whip up enthusiasm and passion for small or trivial projects. Big, yet achievable, goals will provide a life purpose.
3. Beware of a common mistake; do not wait until you feel enthusiastic, inspired, or feel good before you begin important tasks. Act first and good feelings and enthusiasm will follow. working.
4. Once you are enthusiastic, do not assume you will automatically remain that way. All emotions are subject to change, unless you regularly cultivate them. To maintain the fire of enthusiasm you must feed it with new hopes, actions, effort, and vision.
5. Tune into your dream. Wrap yourself up in it. You have to experience it in your mind before you experience it in life. What does it smell, sound, taste, and look like? Feel it.
Tips on Cultivating Enthusiasm and Passion
2. Dare to dream big. It is hard to whip up enthusiasm and passion for small or trivial projects. Big, yet achievable, goals will provide a life purpose.
3. Beware of a common mistake; do not wait until you feel enthusiastic, inspired, or feel good before you begin important tasks. Act first and good feelings and enthusiasm will follow. working.
4. Once you are enthusiastic, do not assume you will automatically remain that way. All emotions are subject to change, unless you regularly cultivate them. To maintain the fire of enthusiasm you must feed it with new hopes, actions, effort, and vision.
5. Tune into your dream. Wrap yourself up in it. You have to experience it in your mind before you experience it in life. What does it smell, sound, taste, and look like? Feel it.
Tips on Cultivating Enthusiasm and Passion
1. What about your job? You will not 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.
2. Do not waste time by hanging out with negative people. Stick with a circle of enthusiastic and optimistic friends. If you need more friends, consider joining a club such as Toastmasters International, for their members are usually enthusiastic.
3. 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 adult education courses, read good books, learn martial arts, how to dance, or anything else. Embrace life and light the torch of others with your own enthusiasm.
4. 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.
5. Did you ever enjoy a good movie? Is it not true that once the lights dim and the movie begins you quickly become immersed in it and grow interested in the unfolding plot? The next time you go to work, tell yourself you are in a movie theater and you will immerse yourself in a remarkable movie called My Life. Carefully watch how the plot progresses; focus on all the twists and turns. In other words, remain present, stay aware, and enjoy each challenge and opportunity that comes your way. Do not be like some others who allow their minds to drift and wander, missing their own life story. How can you be enthusiastic about something you are not paying attention to?
6. Our mind (thoughts), body, and emotions form an integrated triad. A change in one changes the other two. You can use this knowledge to bring about instant change. For example, let us say you are at the office and are supposed to start working on an important project, but you lack enthusiasm and cannot seem to get started. Well, stop wasting time. Get up from your chair and mentally recall a time when you were very enthusiastic. How were you standing? Were your shoulders erect or sloping? Were you standing straight or slouched? What was your breathing pattern like? What was the expression on your face? What kind of thoughts flooded your mind?
When you feel enthusiastic, your emotions cause your thoughts and physiological stance. So, if you now change your thoughts, your emotions and physiology will also change. Likewise, if you change your physiology (posture, breathing, gestures), your feelings (emotions) and thoughts will change. So, force yourself to stand, breathe, and act the way you did when you were enthusiastic, and your physiology will change your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to return to work and get the job done!
7. If you want a quality, act as if you already have it. So, if you want to be courageous or enthusiastic, act as if you already are. Action seems to follow feeling, but really action and feeling go together; and by regulating the action, which is under the more direct control of the will, we can indirectly regulate the feeling, which is not.
8. Recapture the curiosity, exuberance, optimism and laughter of youth. Never grow up. Stay young at heart. After all, people do not lose their enthusiasm because they grow old. Rather, they grow old because they lose their enthusiasm.
Finally, let’s remember the words of H W Arnold “The worst bankrupt is the man who has lost his enthusiasm. Let a man lose everything in the world but his enthusiasm and he will come through again to success”.
2. Do not waste time by hanging out with negative people. Stick with a circle of enthusiastic and optimistic friends. If you need more friends, consider joining a club such as Toastmasters International, for their members are usually enthusiastic.
3. 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 adult education courses, read good books, learn martial arts, how to dance, or anything else. Embrace life and light the torch of others with your own enthusiasm.
4. 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.
5. Did you ever enjoy a good movie? Is it not true that once the lights dim and the movie begins you quickly become immersed in it and grow interested in the unfolding plot? The next time you go to work, tell yourself you are in a movie theater and you will immerse yourself in a remarkable movie called My Life. Carefully watch how the plot progresses; focus on all the twists and turns. In other words, remain present, stay aware, and enjoy each challenge and opportunity that comes your way. Do not be like some others who allow their minds to drift and wander, missing their own life story. How can you be enthusiastic about something you are not paying attention to?
6. Our mind (thoughts), body, and emotions form an integrated triad. A change in one changes the other two. You can use this knowledge to bring about instant change. For example, let us say you are at the office and are supposed to start working on an important project, but you lack enthusiasm and cannot seem to get started. Well, stop wasting time. Get up from your chair and mentally recall a time when you were very enthusiastic. How were you standing? Were your shoulders erect or sloping? Were you standing straight or slouched? What was your breathing pattern like? What was the expression on your face? What kind of thoughts flooded your mind?
When you feel enthusiastic, your emotions cause your thoughts and physiological stance. So, if you now change your thoughts, your emotions and physiology will also change. Likewise, if you change your physiology (posture, breathing, gestures), your feelings (emotions) and thoughts will change. So, force yourself to stand, breathe, and act the way you did when you were enthusiastic, and your physiology will change your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to return to work and get the job done!
7. If you want a quality, act as if you already have it. So, if you want to be courageous or enthusiastic, act as if you already are. Action seems to follow feeling, but really action and feeling go together; and by regulating the action, which is under the more direct control of the will, we can indirectly regulate the feeling, which is not.
8. Recapture the curiosity, exuberance, optimism and laughter of youth. Never grow up. Stay young at heart. After all, people do not lose their enthusiasm because they grow old. Rather, they grow old because they lose their enthusiasm.
Finally, let’s remember the words of H W Arnold “The worst bankrupt is the man who has lost his enthusiasm. Let a man lose everything in the world but his enthusiasm and he will come through again to success”.
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