From Chapter 10 “Optimism/Enthusiasm” in Ingredients of Outliers. The Electricity of Life One characteristic that, in my experience, goes hand in hand with optimism is enthusiasm. That’s certainly been the case with the optimists I’ve known and it’s true in my life as well. In fact, “enthusiasm” is listed among the synonyms I found for “optimism.” One of my favorite definitions of enthusiasm came from a man named Gordon Parks. "Enthusiasm,” he wrote, “is the electricity of life. How do you get it? You act enthusiastic until you make it a habit. Enthusiasm is natural; it … [Read more...]
Fake it Until you Make it: The Power of Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm, what is it? Being in a constant state of happiness, passion, and enthusiasm? Never letting anything get you down. Having life hurdle countless lemons at you and effortlessly concocting barrels of lemonade? These are all nice thoughts, but unfortunately, to most adults and teens; they may seem like a bit of a stretch. With a sense of realism in mind, it’s important to be optimistic and enthusiastic, so let’s look at how to do this, as it does not always happen without effort as discussed in chapter 10 of Ingredients of Outliers: A Recipe for Personal Achievement. The word … [Read more...]