the most life-changing word in your vocabulary
A master builder went to his boss and said, "I'm too tired to build any more houses. I've decided to retire." A few days later, the contractor met with Clyde, the master builder, and said, "Please. Would you reconsider and build one last house? I really need you to head up this project. Please."
After thinking about it, the carpenter agreed and began working on his last project. However, his heart wasn't in it. As a result, the workmanship was shoddy, and the quality fell far below his usual standards. The house barely passed inspection.
On the last day of the project, the contractor gathered his employees at the job site and asked the carpenter and his wife to be present. The boss announced, "As you know, this is Clyde's last day with us. He has been a faithful employee of our company for years, and we want to do something special to honor him. Clyde, we are not selling this house you have built. We are giving it to you and your wife as a gift for your years of service. The home you built is your retirement home – one I know you will enjoy for the rest of your life." (Story copied from, "A-Mused," https://www.philipchircop.com/)
Clyde had just learned the greatest lesson of his life.
Perhaps the most powerful word in your arsenal of quality living is enthusiasm. Clyde learned this the hard way. Enthusiasm is one of my favorite terms. The expression originates from a Greek compound word meaning "god within." The declaration was sometimes used in a derogatory manner to describe religious zealots. But it also delineated people who were imbued with god-like power, wisdom, and ability. In the Christian sense, to be enthused is to be filled with God. Writers of the New Testament explain that the distinguishing mark of a Christian is their possession of the Holy Spirit. God literally takes up residence inside His followers.
Through the years, I worked with several physical trainers. Employing the services of a knowledgeable coach can accelerate fitness goals. I highly recommend it.
A long time ago, I was once working out with my trainer. The particular machine we were using allowed us to see into another gym area where senior citizens were exercising with another instructor. This trainer was very young and doing a good job. However, she was relatively quiet and methodical in her approach.
My trainer, who also owned the gym, remarked that this young trainer was proficient, but her style was too low key. He went on to explain that the other trainer for this group would have them all hopping. Handler number two was upbeat, encouraging, and active with the participants.
My friend then turned to me and made a rather profound statement. "The leader sets the pace. If the leader is quiet and methodical, then the participants follow suit. They don't get as "fired up" and work as hard. But if the leader is excited and motivating, the trainees work harder. The leader sets the pace."
Wow! This principle applies to any context. When mom and dad are excited about something, the kids get excited. When the boss is enthusiastic and involved, the employees follow suit. When the teacher is excited about enlightening their students, then the recipients get excited about the subject. The leader sets the pace.
However, many people don't realize that they are leaders in many settings. One excited, hard-working individual on a team can get everyone motivated even if they are not the "official" leader. One person performing their job with zeal and commitment to quality influences the entire group. One player on the team can set the pace for the whole squad even though they don't have the title, "leader." Enthusiasm makes them a pacesetter.
Jesus talked about earnest people. He said exuberant followers are like "salt and light" wherever they go. This group sets the pace, gives life flavor, makes people thirsty for more, and lights the way. Passionate people see beyond the next hill when everyone else is stuck in the mire of now.
What kind of person are you? If you are a follower of Christ, you became a leader when you claimed Jesus as your Lord. He made you an influencer by proclaiming that you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Do you infuse your home, workplace, team, class, family with enthusiasm? Can people see that you are "God infused?"
Whether you are a follower of Christ or not, the principle is the same. People respond positively to those who exhibit an eagerness to move forward. Who wants to endure a life like Eeyore, of Winnie the Pooh fame? Do some of your utterances sound like Eeyore's famous lines: "It's not much of a tail, but I'm sort of attached to it." "Wish I could say yes, but I can't." "If it is a good morning, which I doubt." "Most likely lose it again, anyway." "I'd say thistles, but nobody listens to me, anyway."
Legend, Tom Brady, just won another Superbowl. The quarterback for Tampa Bay seemed invincible on Sunday. This architect of triumph overflows with unbridled enthusiasm. It was a bit sad to see the Buccaneers sap the oomph from Kansas City. By the fourth quarter, faces in red uniforms looked a bit confused and overwhelmed. When exuberance diminishes, so do the chances for victory.
Are you in a marriage, a job, a degree program, a project, or a new venture that is making your countenance look like the fourth quarter, Kansas City Chiefs? Here are some suggestions.
Sometimes, you cannot control your circumstances, but you can control how you react. Ask God to show you the way out of the mire and into the light. If your life sucks, change it. If you are about to over-react to a difficult state-of-affairs, stop, take a break, gain your composure and then deal with the issue at hand. Winston Churchill said, "Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."
Do you have too many Eeyores in your life? In our family, we call them "fun-suckers." Your zeal will not outlast a negative network of friends, which means you probably need some Tiggers! There should be plenty of enthusiastic characters in your network. Align yourself with them. Expand your network. You will meet people who can enrich your life even through a casual friendship.
Stop Playing the Victim. It is nearly impossible to be enthusiastic about life if you feel that you are victimized. My adoptive daughter endured some hideous abuse as a child. It would have been easy for her to simply roll up in a ball and spend the rest of her life whining and complaining. But she didn't. She continually searched for help to overcome her past and friends to guide her future. She now enjoys a wonderful husband, amazing little son, and directs a home for battered women. Victim is not in her vocabulary. Enthusiasm is.
Get off of the plateau. We sometimes lose enthusiasm when we have camped out on a mesa for too long. Perhaps you need a new challenge, new scenery. Highlands offer grand vistas, but, eventually, there is only one direction to go – down. When you are trying to lose weight, most people reach a plateau. The human body has a unique ability to adjust and maximize energy usage. When this happens, many trainers will instruct the student to change their workout regimen to "shock" the body into burning more energy again. Perhaps you've lost enthusiasm because you are on a mesa, and you need a change-up.
Determine what fills your bucket versus what empties your bucket. Everyone must perform tasks that they do not particularly like. However, if there is more being drained from the source than satisfaction refueling it, you'll lose enthusiasm. Figure out what and who gives you energy and adjust your activities and mental energy accordingly.
The Apostle Paul wrote to a group of Christians living in Rome. He knew that these dedicated people struggled daily just to make ends meet. To boot, they were also being persecuted. The wise sage knew that if these disciples forfeited a critical ingredient, they would begin to retreat. So, Paul gave them a simple instruction. "11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." (Romans 12:11 NIV)
Life will hand you many challenges. Meet them with enthusiasm, and you will keep moving forward no matter what.
