May 26, 2009

Exercise Your Enthusiasm   "Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success.  When you do a thing, do it with all your might.  Put your whole soul into it.  Stamp it with your own personality.  Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object.  Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm," said Ralph Waldo Emerson.    In other words, the likelihood you will accomplish your object (your goal) is greatly increased when you approach it with enthusiasm and passion.    Is your enthusiasm muscle suffering from disuse atrophy? Get in gear now and exercise your enthusiasm.    How?   "The way to acquire enthusiasm is to believe in what you are doing and in yourself and to want to get something definite accomplished.  Enthusiasm will follow as night follows the day," said Dale Carnegie.   Take the following steps:   Find your "something definite" and put your name on it. What is it you want to be doing?  What's your purpose? Ignite that purpose with desire.  It will keep you motivated.  Set your plan in motion and work it every day. If defeat creeps in, do not let it derail you.  Change course direction. Keep your eye on the "something definite". Surround yourself with other enthusiastic people.  This is mandatory. Go forth in confidence.  "I will succeed" is the only self-talk allowed. Maintain a positive mood.  Fear, doubt, and worry will kill your "something definite". Most importantly, to be enthusiastic, you must act enthusiastically.  Fake it 'till you make it.   It is essential that you bring your enthusiastic self to work every day! "If you don't have enthusiasm, it's impossible you will transmit enthusiasm to anyone," said Andreas Navarro, President of Chile'sSONDA,S.A.  "So if you want to change an environment, first of all you have got to change yourself," he continued.  That was said specifically to leaders, however it applies to everyone.   Just as attitude is contagious, so is enthusiasm and no one can deny the power of a team when everyone approaches every day with enthusiasm. There will be no more drudgery in the workplace.  Instead, there will be a spirit of success in the air as everyone is inspired to reach for that "something definite".   Being enthusiastic will hands down, keep you on the road to success.  Build that muscle.     "Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity."             Bo Bennett   "Enthusiasm is the mother of effort, and without it nothing great was ever achieved."             Ralph Waldo Emerson   "Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars.  Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eye, the swing in your gait.  The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas."             Henry Ford   "A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one."             Mary Kay Ash     The best way to be and to remain enthusiastic is to spend your time doing something you are passionate about.  You decide what that is for you.  Whether it's a career you love, a pet project, a hobby, a dream you have, whatever; when you approach each day with excitement and energy, your juices will flow.    The power of enthusiasm will propel you to the top while helping to excite and inspire those around you to reach for the top also.  Everyone wins!   Have a fantastic week and exercise your enthusiasm.   Stephanie   P.S.  I'm enthusiastic about speaking and living a balanced life and am looking for speaking opportunities to spread the message of balance and the how-to guide to other professionals. Contact me to speak to your group.     We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com