“Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money, power, and influence.” ~Henry Chester
Money can leave you feeling emptier than you were before you had it; it can buy you everything yet give you none of the feelings you hoped it would provide.
Power gives the illusion of control, when in all reality, everyone must come to terms with our universal vulnerability. And influence—well, it might make people follow you, but it doesn’t guarantee you have something worth following.
Enthusiasm, when directed toward something healthy, gives you the power to imagine, create, and enjoy, all rooted deep within your own sense of self, possibility, and passion. It’s an infectious feeling based on the beauty you see and nurture in the world.
It’s not about getting somewhere else, bringing other people with you, or convincing them you’re a worthwhile leader. And yet enthusiasm has the power to do those things without ever requiring that intention.
Enthusiasm is simultaneously a gift to yourself and a gift to the world. It’s immersing yourself in the flow of your enjoyment. It’s gratitude in action. Whether it’s a blog, art, music, or even family, our greatest asset in life is enthusiasm for something that feels both bigger than and part of ourselves.
What are you enthusiastic about? What time have you set aside to nurture it today?
Photo by h.koppdelaney
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
I have always had barrows and barrows of enthusiasm for some reason. I think I was just born with it. I have a good friend who is a doctor and he says its because I have two spleens. I love your positive approach as I have received huge amounts of negative criticism for it through the years. For instance, I am a morning person and wake up feeling great and learned to hide that particular enthusiasm or risk being hit in the head for it. I also hide my dancing shoes in the closet until everyone wakes up and has their coffee.
In the past enthusiasm was always a very important quality to me. It always felt really authentic. Somewhere in the last few years it got lost or buried by the onslaught of life. I have really been contemplating recently what happened, and how I might be able to re-cultivate that spirit. This post helped remind me of the value of enthusiasm to me. I do believe one of my aspirations for 2011 is going to be to re-kindle that spirit. Namaste Lori, and Happy New Year =)
I’m enthusiastic whenever I hear examples about other successful people and youngsters who made it happen, regardless the field, age or obstacles.
Beautiful Lori! I find that I feel confident, aligned with the Universe and open to anything when I feel truly enthusiastic about something. The confidence I feel isn’t even that much about how good I am at what I am enthusiastic about but how connected I feel to myself and to all that there is. To me confidence is about knowing deep in your core that you are good enough just as you are because you are one of the pieces of the divine creation.
This is a post I will definitely printout and save. Thanks for writing it!
~banu
Beautifully said–I know exactly what you mean! Enthusiasm is a key to feeling truly alive, present, and happy, I think. When you feel connected to what you’re doing, the doing is the reward itself. Thanks for reading!
I love those stories, too. Whenever a person believes in their potential and their vision, I feel inspired and motivated to give myself those same gifts.
What a wonderful intention to take into the New Year. It seems to me you’ve already rekindled a little of that enthusiastic spirit. =)
I’m sure people envy that energy and enthusiasm! I envy your dancing shoes =) Actually, I was just thinking the other day what a powerful effect singing in the shower has on my morning. I love singing, and it instantly makes me feel excited–it just connects me with my emotions and most passionate intentions. I’m sure my boyfriend wishes I’d hide that in the closet every now and then! It’s an instant connection to my enthusiasm, though. Thanks for commenting!
This post is spot on – enthusiasm is so much more than us. When I’m enthusiastic about something, there’s a raw energy that doesn’t seem to come FROM me, but rather flows THROUGH me. I feel that I’m really in line with my path when that happens, thank you so much for the reminder 🙂
A powerful distinction, and I know exactly what you mean! Thanks for reading and commenting =)
[…] Enthusiasm, when directed toward something healthy, gives you the power to imagine, create, and enjoy, all rooted deep within your own sense of self, possibility, and passion. It’s about an infectious feeling based on the beauty you see and nurture in the world. Source […]
I enjoyed not only your post on enthusiasm, but your reply to a reader in which you mention singing in the shower. I did that all the time in my youth, but somewhere along the line I stopped. What a truly enthusiastic way to start the day! I think this may be my resolution: to start the day with a joyful noise!
I’m enthusiastic about blogging, psychology, thinking, meditating, and spreading happiness.
Nice little piece Lori!
[…] 12/31/10 Tiny Wisdom: On Enthusiasm | Tiny Buddha […]
Thanks–I’m glad you liked it! I’m enthusiastic about all those things, too. Looks like we have a lot in common. =)
I’m enthusiastic about my marriage, the new year, and my new business! Enthusiasm gives me a sense of great freedom!