Enthusiasm goes before success. When
we’re enthusiastic, we boost morale, inspire confidence and build loyalty.
Enthusiasm is contagious. You can feel enthusiasm when you shake people’s hand,
the way they talk and the way they walk.
None of us can be “up” all the time. But if we have the mindset to be enthusiastic we
will attract more positive people into our lives. Enthusiasm alone cannot solve
our problems but it puts us in front of the right people faster.
Many decades ago when Charles Schwab
was earning a million dollars per year, he was asked if he was drawing such
large salary because of his ability to produce steel. Mr. Schwab replied, “I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm
among the men the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best
that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement.” Is there any wonder
Charles Schwab was regarded one of the most influential men of his generation!
Most of the time, we don’t wake up
feeling like dancing. It is at that very moment we have the opportunity to
decide if we’re going to enjoy and be enthusiastic about the gift of today or
if we’re going wallow in our mediocrity. When we face each day with enthusiasm,
we’re going to create miracles for ourselves. Enthusiasm will open doors for
you where talent alone can’t.
Many people label Peter in the Bible as
rash, quick tempered and impulsive. But it was enthusiasm that got Peter out of
the boat. He was the only disciple who walked on the water with the Lord. Peter
was enthusiastic about life. He was quick to draw his sword and cut off the ear
of one of the soldiers who came to arrest Jesus. I believe it was Peter’s
enthusiasm that led Jesus to recruit him as the pillar of the New Testament
Church. Later, when Peter got filled with the Holy Spirit, He led three
thousands to Christ in one meeting! We too can be enthusiastic about life. When
we’re passionate about people, God and the work we’re involved in, we’ll
inspire others to be their best for God.
Let me share my adaptation of Mark
Twain’s, “Whitewashing the Fence.” Tommy,
a young lad had to whitewash a long stretch of fence all by himself. At first
he was reluctant. When he realized that there was no other option, he cheered
up. Instead of sulking, Tommy began to paint the fence vigorously putting on
the biggest smile on his face. The more he smiled the faster he painted. Tommy
was actually excited and enthusiastic about his job at hand. Just about that
time a bunch of his friends were riding by on the bicycle. When they saw Tommy
enjoying himself painting the fence, they couldn’t help but ask for a turn. At first
Tommy was eager to change hands. But then he got smart. He asked for a dime
from each person in exchange for a turn to paint. In no time kids pulled out
their treasures and turned them to Tommy. The fence got painted twice over and
Tommy became the richest kid while resting under a tree watching his friends
paint. How did all started? It started because Tommy changed his attitude about
doing something with enthusiasm. You too can get others to “paint your fence” if you become enthusiastic about life.
Friend, whatever you may have to do,
put some energy, attitude and enthusiasm in it. Get excited about doing
laundry, washing dishes or vacuuming the floor. If you put enthusiasm when you
make those cold calls, you’ll have better success rate to close the sale. The world
belongs to those who are excited about
life. Some people freeze in the winter others ski. A positive attitude will
produce a positive result. Jesus said, “You’re
the light of the world.” If we’re to shine our light, we’ve to turn on the
switch. Enthusiasm is the switch! Not
everything in life is fun but if you are enthusiastic about life, everything
will become more endurable and you’ll spread joy and confidence along the way.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your
might”
(Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV).
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