Definition of enthusiasm:
Intense feeling for a subject or cause; eagerness; zeal. (The English word enthusiasm is derived from the Greek enthousiasmos, which means “inspiration.” The two root words are enthous and entheos, meaning “God or Spirit within.”)
Say It
As you speak the following phrases, believe and embrace them. Visualize yourself having what you state—possess it. Notice how your voice and body respond to each “I” statement:
I acknowledge that I am enthusiastic.
I possess enthusiasm.
I am enthusiastic about the possibilities that this day will bring.
I am excited about life and the difference I can make in the lives of others.
I am enthusiastic and leave a lasting positive impression on everyone I meet.
Believe It
Enthusiasm can be defined by the last four letters of the word: I Am Seriously Motivated. Communicating commitment, determination, and spirit, enthusiasm is infectious and will affect everyone around you. And it will keep you motivated as well.
During my talks, I sometimes divide participants into two groups. I tell them we’re having an enthusiasm contest, and I want the first group to generate the most noise it can, while the second group waits for its turn. Without fail, the second group is always the loudest, for one simple reason: Enthusiasm is contagious. But don’t take it from me—go to any sporting event and watch the cheerleaders. Their pep gets the crowd excited, and the crowd’s exuberance then spurs the athletes on to perform their best.
Trust that enthusiasm works: The applicant with the most enthusiasm usually wins the job; the dog with the most enthusiasm gets the treat; and the person with the most enthusiasm boosts him- or herself to success. Enthusiasm is a telltale sign that you believe in yourself and what you’re trying to accomplish—and when you’re this convinced, other people will be, too.
Receive It
Children innately have enthusiasm. Watch them get excited over a new toy, a tasty treat, or a game. The odd thing is that you don’t lose your enthusiasm as you grow older—instead, you bury it. You pile layers of stress, doubt, obligations, resentments, and other useless preoccupations on top of your zeal until it appears to be snuffed out. It’s still there, though—you just need to uncover it. Act as if you have it, and soon your real eagerness will bubble up through the mire and appear on the surface.
You can make every day an “attitude is everything” day just by allowing it to be so. Draw enthusiasm to you, and share it with others. Unmask your excitement for life, let it glow, and allow it to bring you whatever you want. Never let the kid in you die.
Quotes
“We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements in life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about.”
— Charles Kingsley
“If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm.”
— Vince Lombardi
“The world belongs to the energetic.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson