If there is a common characteristic of successful people, no matter what field the endeavour, it is that they possess boundless enthusiasm. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Do you feel passionate and enthusiastic about life? If you feel a lack of energy and direction in life, it is a sure sign that you need to develop enthusiasm. Why is it important to have enthusiasm, and how can you have more of it?

Enthusiasm derives from the Greek, entheos, meaning inspiration by a god. Passion is the spark that will ignite your enthusiasm, and it goes hand in hand. By doing what you love, or loving what you do, you are able to tap into a huge source of energy, and this can lead to a sense of meaning for your life. There is a big difference between what you perceive as a job, a career, or a calling. It is really in the third category where you are able to truly tap your inner power as the focus is mission oriented — you are aiming for something beyond yourself for the betterment of all.

Instead of going through life mechanically and reactively every day, take time to think about what you are truly passionate about in life and take greater control of your life. My friend Tony Hsieh, the CEO of Zappos who sold his company to Amazon for US $1.2 billion, asked this: “What would you be passionate about doing for 10 years even if you never made a dime?” The irony of life is that once you chase passion instead of money, money comes to you, as what you do is infused with such power and love that it is impossible not to do well and create something of excellence.

Enthusiasm is also the spark that turns vision and hope into results and success. According to Henry Ford, “It is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars”. I remember, when I was writing my first book, entitled Living Greatness: A practical guide to living an enlightened life, that I envisioned helping millions around the world. It began as a humble project that I worked on tirelessly after work and every weekend over many months. Finding my passion, I was blessed with boundless enthusiasm towards the fulfilment of the project, and despite many difficulties and setbacks, I prevailed and attracted the people with the right spirit to join me, including Jack Canfield, John Demartini, Dr Edward de Bono, Fred Alan Wolf, Sonia Choquette, many international best-selling authors, leading CEOs, as well as billionaires and celebrities around the world. I truly could not have done this without being inspired towards a higher purpose — and a great deal of enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm also applies to business. Years ago, my mentor taught me that “logic doesn’t sell, but enthusiasm does”. It is especially apparent if you are a leader, be it in a business or a family. If you are genuinely enthusiastic about your cause, you are more likely to persuade others to your way of thinking and the direction you take. “Enthusiasm is contagious”, according to legendary football coach Vince Lombardi. If you are truly excited about something worthwhile, it is almost infectious, and people will follow your lead. Having an inspiring vision backed by enthusiasm sets a great leader apart from an average leader.

Enthusiasm is also needed during times of challenge or chaos, and will give you the added strength to overcome the setback or the fear of failure. This reminds me of Winston Churchill’s words: “Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”. When you begin to understand that the road to success is paved with obstacles, and that it is an inevitable part of life, you will appreciate the value of enthusiasm in helping you to stay positive and to triumph over adversity. Reflect on the immortal words of Patanjali: “When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”

Joseph Law JP

Chief Executive Officer

Living Greatness  www.livinggreatness.com

Author | Speaker | Social Entrepreneur | Charity Ambassador

Author Living Greatness: A Practical Guide to Living an Enlightened Life

Please visit: www.livinggreatness.com/book