This month’s character trait is ENTHUSIASM. As part of ongoing discussions of character, the department directors are asked to volunteer to present the traits for discussion in our weekly meetings. It may come as a surprise that I volunteered to present enthusiasm. I chose to present this trait because I believe it was an area in which I need personal growth, but also an area that many people in police work have a difficult time with. The negative aspects of our duties can have a cumulative impact of dampening our excitement about responding to calls. Arriving on a domestic or another shoplifter in custody, on the surface, may not be a reason to become enthusiastic about the task ahead. Dealing with intellectually challenged, intoxicated, and/or belligerent people is certainly not something most people would look forward to.

It would be easy to read the first paragraph and think I have done a terrible job of being enthusiastic about our work. This really depends on the perspective that one takes while reading. The call taken, the report written, and the investigation that may follow may seem to be mundane. This is where the mental state of enthusiasm plays such a vital role. Enthusiasm can best be described as passion and/or purpose in and for one’s work. The best place to look for this passion is often in the newest employees among us. These employees often look at everything they do with a sense of excitement and purpose. There seems to be a genuine belief that the new officer or dispatcher has that they can really make a difference. Veteran employees may look upon the youthful enthusiasm and opine that they will lose this zeal for their work as the years pass and experience drains them. Does it have to be this way?

I recently heard Owasso Public Schools superintendent Dr. Amy Fichtner describe enthusiasm as someone finding their own “why”. This made sense to me as I was trying to develop this message. Each of us started our careers with different motives. Many of you may have found the motive changed as you matured in your careers. I have talked with enough officers and dispatchers to know that for most, there is a deep purpose and satisfaction in doing the job. Often the explanations are the same and usually have something to do with helping others. There are nuances to these explanations, but the theme is the same. To stay passionate about whatever purpose you have defined requires daily intent. Being intentional about our purpose is vital because intentionality is the antithesis of being accidental.

Being accidental in the way we live our lives often results in negative attitudes. If we stumble through our careers without defining a meaningful purpose, it likely results in a lack of fulfillment in our lives. We begin looking for greener pastures or become so negative that we bring everyone around us down. Purpose/passion/enthusiasm has the opposite effect. This intentional living manifests into an energy that brings us and others up, and results in a life that is defined by something that is greater than ourselves.

Enthusiasm, like happiness, is a choice. I would like to challenge you to find your “why” so you become the master of your own attitude and a model for others to follow.