TAP INTO THE POWER OF YOUR ENTHUSIASM
“Let us endeavor to live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.” ~ Mark Twain
One of the best decisions I have ever made was to become enthusiastic. My entire life changed for the better. The same will be true for you as well.
Common benefits experienced are:
Increased energy
Able to solve problems easier
More productive
Greater sense of confidence
Better liked by others
Happier
Better health
Here are 8 Principles for Promoting Enthusiasm:
1. Train yourself to wake up happy and excited.
So many people have hypnotized themselves into negative rituals that get them off to a slow start to their day. They say things like: “I can’t wake up good til I have that first cigarette or cup of coffee.” “I don’t want to go to work or school today.” This kind of language makes it very hard to get excited about anything. Train yourself to be enthusiastic as soon as you awake. Sing in the shower. Listen to music that gets you going. You may have to fake it for the first few weeks but you will eventually get into a stride that will make your days a whole lot happier.
2. Be Grateful.
See the world and the people in it with a heart of appreciation. You have so many blessings all around you. Be thankful for the roof over your head, the food on your table, and the fact you are alive. Don’t allow yourself to be a complainer. Those who are always saying, “I don’t like my job” or “I don’t like my husband or wife.” are stuck. This type of thinking will destroy any hope of ever being happy. Paul Harvey says, “Like what you do. If you don’t like it, do something else.”
3. Look for the Silver Lining.
It is important to look at the bright side of things if you want to be an enthusiastic person. Search for the positive elements that exist in any circumstance. God has established universal laws that govern our world. These laws promise certainty and orderliness. One law that everyone knows is the law of gravity. Another law promises that every problem carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit. This means that there is a positive solution to every problem and that every cloud has a silver lining. Keep your mind positive at all times. Enthusiasm cannot thrive if your thoughts are full of fear, anger and guilt.
4. Seek a Better Way.
Strive to improve yourself and your world. Be creative. Think outside of the box. This principle keeps things fresh and new. Make sure you set the stage for growth. We are creatures of habit and this can lead to you being stuck in a rut. You are building a more enthusiastic personality so reinforce positive habits by doing something every day to further build up your enthusiasm.
5. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Be patient. Success in any arena may take time. Brace yourself for the process of becoming an enthusiastic person. Don’t allow yourself to get discouraged if things do not change overnight. If you run into an obstacle, you can reevaluate the situation but do not change your goal simply because it has become challenging.
6. Be Bold and Daring.
Make things happen. You do not need to be loud or boisterous to present yourself as enthusiastic. Be outgoing but do not dominate the conversation. Do not drive people away by being pushy. You can exhibit enthusiasm by the smile on your face, the shake of your hand and the stride in your step. A simple way to remember this principle is: To Be Enthusiastic, Act Enthusiastic! By consciously putting forth the actions of enthusiasm, you build a solid foundation of being an enthusiastic person. A lot of timid people are afraid of how others will perceive them if they start acting enthusiastically. I remind these people of a quote from the movie, Braveheart — “Every man dies. Not every man really lives.” Live your life to the fullest!
7. Stay away from negative people.
I used to preach that you should stay away from all negative people. Over the years, I have learned that you can associate with at least four to five negative people. This should allow just enough room to keep your family around. Be careful because negative people are energy drainers. They will rob you of your passion and enthusiasm if you don’t pay attention. You want to associate with positive people who are either headed in the direction you want to go in life or are already there.
8. Stay focused on your goals.
Let go of resentments and fears that may be distracting you. You cannot change what has happened to you and you have little control over the future. Focus on the moment with an excitement for your tomorrows. Have a confident sense of faith that you will obtain an enthusiastic personality no matter how far away it may seem.
“Whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching.” ~ Thomas Jefferson.
“What one has, one ought to use, and whatever he does, he should do with all his might.” ~ Cicero
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily.” ~ Colossians 3:23
“None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
Webb is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice at South Georgia Psychiatric and Counseling Center in Valdosta. He is the author of How To Be A Great Partner and How To Argueproof Your Relationship. Read more of his articles www.TheRelationshipSpecialist.com
