Oh how I love being with people who have it! Enthusiasm is emotional positivity that invites followers to join your cause. Filmmaker Gordon Parks said “Enthusiasm is the electricity of life. How do you get it? You act enthusiastic until you make it a habit.”
I don’t think enthusiasm can be feigned (at least not for any length of time) because it is a real character trait. It is energy and passion and welcomes all to join in. Enthusiastic people are like puppies that are SO HAPPY to be with you in this place and moment in time.
A handful of us swimmers used to swim together at a throwback high school pool. It was pretty old with failing lights, a few cracked windows and falling ceiling tiles. Sometimes the heater or filtration system went down. The school’s maintenance crew was stretched thin, so we vacuumed and cared for the pool as best we could.
Why? We were enthusiastic puppies! We were like eager dogs that couldn’t wait to jump off the dock and splash. Chris O. used to arrive for noon practice and say, “This is the best place ever!” Chris had it. We all had it – pure enthusiasm.*
I seek environments and people with this dynamic of zeal. I can exist without it, but I certainly won’t thrive. The same is true for businesses and organizations. Without delighted customers, a business may persist but to what end? We want to feel good about the organizations we support. We want to experience that positive ENTHUSIASM when we walk in the establishment’s door, be it school or work or church or the gym — especially the gym or that place we go exercise. That vibe keeps us motivated.
Enthusiasm is contagious, so let’s not curb it!
* That practice group was one of the extensions of the USA team Mark and I built, the Swim Dogs (great name, huh?). The DOGS are now in the hands of wonderful and enthusiastic coaches Mr. and Mrs. Harbuck. More about Swim Dogs and coaching in a future post.
Thanks for stopping by and please share your ideas on enthusiasm below :o)
Dana J Creative 