When you approach life with enthusiasm, chores are not painstaking but conversely they become much easier. You are not just fighting to just get the job done, but you become eager to see the outcome. Your attitude not only influences your productivity, but it inspires others to join in.

The difference between average and outstanding is often enthusiasm. It is one of the most influential and contagious attributes we can display. No matter the venture; be it work or play, politics or athletics; nobody has excelled without a strong measure of enthusiasm. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

I recently signed up to coach my son’s baseball team. Knowing that it would require additional time to an already hectic and busy schedule, I found myself strategizing the best possible way to “work” everything in. Practices, uniforms, pictures, snacks, equipment and games all became a task I had to accomplish.

Those who demonstrate enthusiasm are far more likely to succeed because of their attitude towards the task at hand. Someone who lacks enthusiasm rarely succeeds, and the reason is because of the attitude that they have.

As the first week of practice came around I became stressed with laying out the drills, educating parents and optimizing the training. I became overwhelmed with what I felt I had to do and forgot about what I was able to do. 

Enthusiasm is also a source of staying power. Every endeavor has its challenges.  A loss in enthusiasm has harmful effects on any project. Enthusiasm gives the extra energy to navigate the treacherous times. The one who wins the war is not the one who never loses a battle, but the one who never loses his enthusiasm for battle. “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill

As the kids were warming up, my Assistant Coach and very good friend pulled me aside and reminded me, “your job is just to make sure the kids have fun”.

Enthusiasm is contagious. No virus is as contagious as enthusiasm. Indifference turns people off, but enthusiasm is magnetic. People do not always follow the one with the best ideas but are attracted more by enthusiasm, drive and positive energy. If you have zest and enthusiasm you will attract zest and enthusiasm.

Those were exactly the works I needed to re-focus my purpose. My attitude completely changed as I operated with enthusiasm and not obligation. The kids had a great time; I enjoyed sharing the experience with the team and was able to create life-long memories.