Every now and then I learn a new way of looking at an old word. And it changes everything. For example, when I learned that inspire is “to breathe life into,” inspiration took on new meaning. I started wondering how many people I breathe life into.
This time, the word is enthusiasm. I never really was a fan of enthusiasm. That is, until now. Somehow, along the way of growing up, I had associated enthusiasm with false inspiration. Now, I have a new lens.
In the book, Little Book of Leadership: The 12.5 Strengths of Responsible, Reliable, Remarkable Leaders that Create Results, Rewards, and Resilience, Jeffrey Gitomer writes about enthusiasm and how he changed his view on what it means.
Entheos is “The God Within”
It’s a great thing when somebody or something lights our fire. But, it’s a lot more empowering if you create your own enthusiasm. Jeffrey writes:
“Thirty five years ago, when I heard Earl Nightingale tell me that enthusiasm came from the Greek word ‘entheos’ (which means ‘the god within’), I changed my entire thought process by realizing that I cannot rely on things or other people to create it for me.”
Spread the Lesson
Empower people to seek or create their own enthusiasm from the inside out. Jeffrey writes:
“Your job as a leader is to teach the same lesson to all of your people so that they might receive the same gift. A gift that altered my internal enthusiasm for the better, forever.”
It’s Contagious
It’s contagious. And it works both way. Jeffrey writes:
“Enthusiasm is contagious. Either by presence or by absence. The more enthusiastic you are as a leader, the more enthusiastic it’s likely your people will be — and the more ready and willing they will be to accept whatever task you give them.”
To make the most of what’s around you, unleash what’s inside of you. Share your gift freely. It’s the gift that gives back.
Best is a Way of Life
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