Lean Quote: Enthusiasm is One of those Rare Highly Desired Qualities that’s so Contagious Once Found

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Enthusiasm is by far the highest paid quality on earth, probably because it is one of the rarest; yet it is one of the most contagious."   —  Frank Bettger - Self Help Author   

A positive and enthusiastic attitude is a critical component of workplace success. Passion is the driving force that enables people to attain far more than they ever imagined.

There are people who manage to remain consistently happy and engaged in their careers, and they’re usually the ones who stay at the top of their professional game. They motivate themselves to meet each challenge and approach every project with a high level of integrity, enthusiasm and professionalism. Their positive attitude and resilience distinguishes them as top performers in their companies.

Here are some suggestions for regaining your enthusiasm:

Whenever possible, focus on what you love. There are probably parts of your job that you like better than others. One easy way to revitalize your enthusiasm is to approach your manager with a number of ways you could spend more time on those activities that interest and challenge you and, alternately, find methods to minimize the frustration and boredom you associate with the less appealing ones.

Take responsibility for your own advancement. If you want to be satisfied with your work, you need to continuously improve your skill set and grow in different directions. It’s the only way you’ll really feel challenged over the long term. But don’t wait for your manager to come up with professional development opportunities for you. Remember, it’s your job to guide your career into new territory.

That means always keeping an eye out for ways to expand your knowledge and skills, especially in areas that will enhance your long-term career prospects, and then approaching your boss about any learning opportunities you want to engage in.

Get outside of your comfort zone. It’s easy to get in a rut at work, completing the same tasks over and over again. It may feel safe, but eventually, it’s going to get dull. Don’t let a sense of apprehension hold you back from trying something new and daring at work. If you start to fear failure, remember that taking risks – such as making a presentation, leading a high-profile project or finding a more efficient way for your department to operate – can often help advance your career, if you’re successful.

Maintain work/life control. Peak performers tend to be steady and centered. They can be passionate without being control freaks, on top of things without seeming obsessive. They typically have one thing in common: a healthy balance between their personal and professional life.

Enthusiasm is literally the fuel that propels you toward success. Passion allows you to think, feel, focus, act, attract and create the events’ conditions and circumstances that you most desire to see you through difficult times. Enthusiasm is what propels you to begin taking the necessary action steps that will allow you to begin changing your current situation.