BiggerPockets

Power By Embracing Enthusiasm

"You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. With it, there is accomplishment. Without it there are only alibis." Henry Ford

Enthusiasm is rarely a topic that comes to mind when we think of success. And yet, without it life becomes mundane and the spark we wish to ignite in others fizzles away without the desired result.

Embracing enthusiasm is important because it replaces fear and worry. When I was in my early 40s I experience what many call a mid-life crisis. Prior to this dark, short chapter in my lie, I was accustomed to making many and huge decisions. I spiraled downward into a period of depression in which I could not decide on the color of my socks each morning.

The catalyst for my turn-around was the new project I tepidly decided to take on. Early in the process, enthusiasm was a quality I forced on myself. I pretended I had it until it finally showed up. It showed up because (I think), as others became excited about my dream, their excitement spilled over to me and replaced pretending enthusiasm with the real thing.

I grew into a bona fide, honest cheerleader for finding success in very "today." That was the end of "bad days" for me. Now there are good days and, better yet, great days! And an interesting thing happened: my enthusiasm and excitement became contagious. Others reflected my newly refashioned positive mindset. The spark I sought to ignite became a forest fire from which many lives were positively impacted.

Here's my advice to you if you want to enjoy success and are having a tough time getting excited:

• Fake enthusiasm until it becomes real (no, you will not be a phony)

• Surround yourself with positive people (don't listen to negative talk)

• Think about how you can help others less fortunate than you (gets the focus off you and on someone else - which is a great thing for your well being)

• Learn how to give yourself and some of your money to others (if you refuse to give, then the things you own and the money you possess OWNS you).

Norman Vincent Peale states, "Often enthusiasm is the bridge between poverty and prosperity." I know, from personal experience, he's right.

He also wrote: "Enthusiasm releases the drive to carry you over obstacles and adds significance to all you do."

Now it's up to you. What will you do with this information? File it away in some dark corner, or get excited about your dreams and go for them? It's your choice.

Now, go make it an enthusiastically great day

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