“Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence. It is no more or less than faith in action.”
It doesn’t really matter when you have a world of talent if you don’t go through the steps to develop that talent, to build on that unrealized potential. Similarly, it doesn’t really matter when you have a great deal of power if you don’t exercise that influence in a fruitful manner.
Passion is another way to think about enthusiasm. The person who is passionate about a project, business or endeavor will be the person who is willing to stick it out through the tough times. They’ll push through adversity, because they are enthusiastic. They won’t let this project fall onto the back burner. They won’t let it slide into the “some day” bin. When you’re enthusiastic, you’ll work tirelessly to see your project succeed, because it feels less like work.
No, enthusiasm on its own is not enough, but it plays a very important role. When you are enthusiastic, you don’t hold anything back. You truly do put in the effort, rather than simply go through the motions. A person with a great idea, great talent, and great influence won’t have the same level of motivation and dedication as an equivalent individual with unbridled enthusiasm.
Yes, the enthusiastic fool may rush in where angels fear to tread, but it is only through this foolish gung-ho attitude that you discover uncharted lands. Enthusiasm and passion are what will get you off your butt and into motion. Will you take that leap of faith?
I think you are hinting at what I’m going to write. Enthusiasm and passionate are not the same and shouldn’t be confused with each other.
If I am Enthusiastic about something, I really want to do it or support it, but won’t do whatever it takes to get it done. It might be important, but not that important.
To be passionate on the other hand is to use just about any means to get the job done.
You can be enthusiastic, but not passionate and be in the same boat as the person who has the talent but didn’t apply themselves. If you want to be great, think Tiger Woods and what he went through as a child to develop his talent.
Mike – I totally agree with you. No matter what ever skills we have, it is the passion that drives. I have seen many folks with great talents but no passion and eventually fail in long run.
Not to mention that they develop a kind of attitude problem which is really hard to deal with. We have fired few bright folks like that. They are really hard to work with.
Please tell me a little about the author, Henry Chester.
Many thanks
John