Motivation
Passion and Enthusiasm
Passion and Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is the mother of effort, and without it nothing great was ever achieved.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Enthusiasm first appeared in English in 1603. The source of the word is the Greek enthousiasmos, which ultimately comes from the adjective entheos, “having God within,” formed from en, “in, within,” and theos, “God.” Originally, entheos simply meant the external enthusiasm of someone who just got born again. Over time the meaning of enthusiasm became extended to “rapturous inspiration like that caused by God” to “an overly confident belief that one is inspired by God.”
My friends, family and acquaintances (and anyone who has ever seen me teach a seminar) have no doubt that I have passion and enthusiasm for life and my pursuit of happiness. The more I travel through this life the more zealous I get to make a positive difference. Make no mistake about it. I am no stranger to turbulent times. I’ve been chewed up and spit out like a bitter lemon. But I don’t dwell there. I choose to pick myself up, lick my wounds and move on. I realized early in my childhood that the faster I get my head back into the game the better off I am. The way I see it is that we all have unlimited “at bats”. If we strike out, we get to swing again, again… and again, (and again, get my point?)
It totally baffles me when someone is doing their job half heartedly with a lackadaisical attitude. They go through the motions, just barely above flat lining. If it’s worth doing… it’s worth doing with passion and enthusiasm! My dad used to say, “Son, if you are going to be a ditch digger, be the best digger you can be!” I have gone to the dentist with enthusiasm, because I was glad to have my teeth sparkly white. I have paid my taxes with enthusiasm because I was glad to have a job that paid me good money and have a prosperous lifestyle, plus those taxes help our schools, roads and line the pockets of our local politicians, (strike that last point, sorry about that). I always pay my tithe with enthusiasm because I know God will use it for the further movement of His word and blessing His people. The key to enthusiasm is to focus on the “why”.
What’s the reason WHY you are doing a task. If you can’t find a passionate reason… you need to move on! That includes the small things in life as well as the jugular issues we deal with. Don’t be confused, I’m not saying to walk around and think everything is always peaches and roses. One glance around and you’ll see the contrary. However, I do propose that you should be optimistic and a realist. Live in reality, and dwell on the positive.
The final point I’ll endeavor to make is that in all situations you should be thankful, this will accelerate your enthusiasm.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ~I Thessalonians 5:18
Notice is does not say “FOR” everything give thanks… I certainly wasn’t thankful FOR Ivan to hit our community, nor the oil spill to roll up on our beaches, nor was I thankful FOR 24 inches of rain in one day, that caused massive flooding on the Emerald Coast. But it does say “IN” everything give thanks. I am thankful that our community came together, and everyone is willing to step up and help during turbulent times. Just like a broken bone or a scar, after the healing process is done it is stronger than it was before the tragedy.
When you are feeling down and lethargic. Just think about who you truly are in Christ and what exactly eternal life means, and you’ll have the giddiness and enthusiasm as a teenager with a new cell phone!
P.S. If you haven’t done so, download your FREE 47-Page E-Book Prosperous Christian, 10 Commandments of Prosperity.
P.P.S. Please share your comments below. I love to here you feedback.
