Enthusiasm is the fire within
Enthusiasm comes from the Greek word (entheos) and means God within. Therefore, it refers to a divine spark or fire that burns within the chest of those with a passion for a cause, job, or life in general.
They say the world belongs to the enthusiastic.
“Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is due to the triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it.“
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Imagine, for one moment if you will, returning to the spirit of your youth- when each day you allowed the energy that burned within you to be shown to the world. How you didn’t want to go to bed at night because you felt there might not be a tomorrow to do what you like doing.
And how, when the morning came, you would jump out of bed and run outside to go and explore the world. How you believed in your heart that anything was possible and nothing could touch you.
Where does that drive, that purpose, that fire in us go? How is it so easily lost without a fight?
“Let us beware of losing our enthusiasm. Instead, let us ever glory in something, and strive to retain our admiration for all that would ennoble, and our interest in all that would enrich and beautify our life.”
– Phillips Brooks
Enthusiasm – 14 steps to help increase your enthusiasm
Never stop learning.
Exploring the world around you through education not only enriches your mind but develops and hones skills that will become useful when the time comes. In addition, learning to embrace a student-like mindset every day will help you become motivated and more enthusiastic about the life you are living.
Stop acting like a victim.
Taking responsibility for how you are treated is a powerful move in your daily life. Learning to take control of YOU will establish indirect control over others. Set boundaries and be mindful of how others treat you. No one can take advantage of you or hurt you unless you allow them to.
Find what interests you
Permit yourself to explore activities and interests that make you feel happy. If you were not caught up in the ‘rat-race’ and always having to think about the kids, the bills, the cooking, the job etc., what else would you love to be doing? Allow yourself to do something that energizes and empowers your happiness. This is a great way to rekindle your enthusiasm.
Use your physiology
Feeling enthusiastic can be as simple as using your body posture and tone of voice to create fulfilment. Speak, move and act with excitement. You’ll quickly realize how energized and motivated you’ll begin to feel. Enthusiasm is directly linked to how we hold our posture.
Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses
In his book “Now Discover Your Strengths”, Marcus Buckingham speaks about the need for people to stop wasting valuable energy on fixing their weaknesses while their strengths lie dormant and wasting. You have many skills and abilities that will help create an enthusiastic and motivated you! Now go ahead and use them.
Use your imagination
Allowing your imagination to run riot is the surest way of getting your life into a mess. Learn to control your imagination. Only visualize that which you want to focus on. Create your own imaginary movies of success and greatness in which you play the lead role. Your subconscious mind will quickly catch on and help you in becoming what you imagine.
Look for the good in all situations
Creating a habit of looking for the positive side of things will greatly improve your resiliency in any unpleasant situation. It will also strengthen and enhance your optimism for being more motivated in the things you do.
Revisit past successes in your life
There will come times when you find it difficult to stay motivated and enthusiastic. Recall some time in your past when you could step up to the challenge and succeed. Think of times when you were at the top of your game and when you were really feeling great about your accomplishments. This will keep you from feeling discouraged and unmotivated.
Surround yourself with happy people
People who can lift their own spirits are probably able to lift yours too! Associating with people who are upbeat, enthusiastic and positive will dramatically affect your emotional state. Laughter, happiness and enthusiasm are contagious, so spend time around these types of people.
Be respectful and polite to others
Apply the ‘Golden Rule’ to all people you meet. Do to no one the things you dislike, and always do to others what you would want them to do to you. If you feel sad and unenthusiastic, go and do something good for someone else, it’s the quickest and surest way to get the positive boost you are looking for.
Exercise and get plenty of sleep
This is a simple one, yet so many people skip exercise and go to bed late. The benefits of exercise and a good night’s rest on your emotional and physical well-being cannot be underestimated. Create a habit of making sure you get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Do your best to get some form of cardiac exercise the least minimum of 3 times a week.
Create a happy space
Find a place where you can retreat and re-align yourself. Find somewhere comfortable and peaceful. It could be a park bench, sitting in your car or a room in your house. What sounds do you like? What images bring a smile to your face? Are there some specific smells that are peaceful for you? Use music, images and fragrances to enhance your happy space. Visit it often. Even when you are feeling good, use it to anchor yourself.
Develop the right attitude
This is one area of your life that can make or break your ability to function in a congruent and meaningful way. So, first and foremost, believe that you can change, become curious about things, learn to master your thinking, read inspiring articles, choose to be optimistic and happy and always treat people the way you would like to be treated.
Practice gratitude every day
Gratitude is the perfect attitude shifter. When we train our minds to look for the good in situations, it moves our attention from the negative to the positive. I admit this is not always easy to do, especially when there is nothing good in the situation. However, you can start by keeping your very own gratitude list every day.
Jot down 5 to 10 things you are thankful for; even in the tiniest of experiences, you will find reasons to be thankful.