“Success consists of going from failure to failure without a loss or enthusiasm.”

Somehow, we have learned to make peace with the COVID 19-driven losses- –no movie night, no in-door dining, no group-vacation travel, no shaking hands. Now, several months into a pandemic reality, we have become somewhat used to grappling with the loss of life, restrictions on our freedoms, and lack of certainties.

As the losses pile up, and we get caught up with the daily grind of pandemic living, it is easy to “lose touch” –and become stressed and perhaps dejected about the current situation and the future –putting us at risk for losing a vital resilience skill: Enthusiasm.

That’s right—enthusiasm, it turns out, is considered a mental skill, and not just a trait that some are born with and some aren’t. Far from it, according to psychologists, we are able to consciously cultivate, develop, and practice enthusiasm as a skill. Really? Does this apply to everyone? The answer is yes!

So, let’s unpack it—what exactly is enthusiasm and why should we care. Well, it turns out that the word “enthusiasm,” which means “intense, eager, zeal, or enjoyment” also has an interesting heritage. Enthusiasm is borrowed from the Greek word “enthousiasmos”, meaning “divine inspiration or possession by a god.”

Enthusiasm is literally translated as “the God within.” It was originally used, around the 17th century, as a derogatory term to describe religious zealots who appeared possessed, fiery, and excessive in their behaviors. Later on, enthusiasm came to mean “intense excitement.”

Today, enthusiasm still conjures up notions of being possessed by an internal fire whose flames provide the fuel for many great accomplishments. Some of the greatest comebacks and triumphs across all sports, for example, have been fueled solely by the intense passion, determination, and grit that comes from unbridled enthusiasm. In the words of the great American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson:

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

When enthusiasm is flowing in us, we are believers. We believe in the power to achieve, to accomplish, and to overcome. Enthusiasm creates and fuels our momentum—especially on those dreary, routine-filled days. Properly cultivated, enthusiasm is an antidote for fear and nervousness. In the face of losses and setbacks, enthusiasm can also provide a boost of temporary energy and willpower to keep fighting, moving forward, and persevering.

Most interestingly, enthusiasm (or the lack of it) happens to share one quality with COVID 19. It is highly contagious regardless of the situation. Most leaders place a high value on widespread enthusiasm. It’s a key ingredient in establishing a winning culture. Here are some of the other benefits of enthusiasm.

  • Helps us stay optimistic (especially when things look bleak)
  • Enhances motivation (especially when coping with losses and failures)
  • Helps us curb our fears, worries, stresses, and anxieties
  • Reinforces our belief in the bigger picture
  • Inspires our courage and confidence
  • Makes others feel more passionate and energized
  • Promotes fun (which can make tasks easier and more enjoyable)

Enthusiasm is also a powerful inspirational tool. The more enthusiastic you are as a leader, parent, teammate, or friend–the more enthusiastic and committed those around you will typically become— and the more willing they will be to “go to bat” for you… the more they will focus on accomplishing whatever task you ask them to do.

So, how do you become more enthusiastic? Simple, make the internal decision that you will be more demonstrably energetic and passionate in everything you do—even the small things. Be sure that you are doing something that you love—and remind yourself often that you love your family, your work—yourself. If you are involved in something you are not passionate about, remember why you are doing it. Keeping your ultimate goal/ purpose in mind will motivate, propel, and focus you.

If you must handle something that bores you or something you loathe, find a way to change your mindset, and re-frame the task. Maybe you can compete with yourself and start increasing the speed at which you complete an otherwise mundane task—without sacrificing accuracy of course. Or, maybe tell yourself, “I get to do this” as opposed to “I have to do this…”.

A simple change of mindset, in the midst of all the “dispiriting” losses and challenges associated with COVID-19, can spark the engine of enthusiasm deep within you and help sustain you. Here is another great quote on enthusiasm to keep in mind:

“I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me.” –Joshua Graham.

Stay healthy– and keep the fires enthusiasm and hope burning brighter that what’s ever burning around you!

Derek H. Suite, M.D.

Founder & CEO

Full Circle Health