Enthusiasm is Contagious!

Enthusiasm is Contagious!
By Tommy Franks

Not long ago, we talked about “Optimism Being Contagious”. Now, let’s look at “Enthusiasm”.

Emerson once said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”.

Enthusiasm brings the personality ALIVE...releasing a multitude of human atomic energy. Enthusiastic people are NOT dead! Someone said, “Enthusiasm is faith that has been set on fire!”

Everyone likes to see a lively individual of zest, enthusiasm, passion, and gusto. Did you know that enthusiasm keeps us living longer? That’s right. Look around. Some of the old timers now live to be over 100 years of age! That’s exciting! On the other hand, you may see some “dead men” walking around who have not lived for a long time.

Have you seen any lately? They are the ones who have lost their zest and zeal…and look dead. Thoreau once said, “None are as old as those who have outlived their enthusiasm!”

Enthusiasm powers our self-motivating potential. Take a look at a little child whom we will call Joanna. She is enthusiastic. She thinks the world is terrific and fantastic. She just loves everybody and everything. The whole world fascinates her. Little Joanna is excited about life...about people...about dogs and cats...about cars, trucks, and airplanes...and about little lady bugs, too. She wants to learn everything she can. You see, the secret of genius in today’s society...is carrying the enthusiastic spirit of this little girl (Joanna) into adulthood. By the way, Joanna is my daughter!

People are always bugging me for a “Success Formula”. Well, here it is:

“Make up your mind that that the world is one BIG “thrill” after another...with beauty, love, excitement, and people who really care about others. Be sensitive to it. Love people. Love the beautiful green earth and all its glory that was created by God Almighty for us to enjoy. Think success. Anticipate success! Talk success! Success will come!”

William James said, “If you really want something, act as if you already have it.” And it will be. Hello!

Question? “Tommy, what if I just don’t have it in me to act enthusiastically?
What can I do to generate this thing you call “enthusiasm”?
Response: Act enthusiastically anyhow! Notify your brain that you are going to start acting with passion and enthusiasm. What happens at a football game? Do people sit there like deadheads or sit lifeless in their hard uncomfortable seats? Are you kidding me, man? They have already programmed their brain cells (before ever arriving at the stadium) that they are going to have a good time...a tremendous time...a great time...a fantastic time!

Most will have a good time regardless of which team wins. Well, why shouldn’t they? They have paid a lot of money to see two teams go out and beat on each other and almost kill one another.

We need to also program our brains daily prior to ever leaving our homes. We should expect exciting things to happen to us. We should act with enthusiasm; i.e., think about super things happening to us...like getting a $20,000 a year raise...getting that lucrative promotion...losing 20 pounds... winning a free trip to Ten Buc Two...or our mother-in-law coming to live with us. (Just kidding about that last statement...).

Get vitalized. Get invigorated. Get zesty. Get recharged. Enthusiasm is knocking at your door! Answer the door. You will never be the same again! You will fly to heights unknown!