Enthusiasm. Why your first thought in the morning is so important and how a simple checklist can open you to new perspectives.
At first sight, the word enthusiasm seems to have manifold meanings. Many different emotions and ideas are hidden within it. Enthusiasm is what could be called a wallet word – an often overlooked, valuable keyword.
For some of us, the word means passion and inspiration, the energy to move mountains when you love what you do. The Cambridge Dictionary defines enthusiasm as "a feeling of energetic interest in a particular subject or activity and an eagerness to be involved in it." Given that work represents quite a big chunk of our lives, we ought to talk about enthusiasm in the workplace.
This is one of those moments when a short checklist comes in handy. Looking at our five statements below, how many of these can you relate to?
- Whenever I think of my job, I wake up with the same idea – Oh no, not that again. It doesn't matter, remote one or in the office.
- My workday seems never to end, and, in the evening, I feel like I've run a marathon, even if the clock tells me only eight hours have passed.
- After my workday, I feel drained and don't have energy for my family or other activities.
- I can't wait for a weekend to come so I can have a break from my daily nightmare.
- Every Sunday evening, I almost panic when I think I must do it all again tomorrow.
If you can relate to at least three of these statements, take it as the sign you have been waiting for and let's continue talking about enthusiasm. Or, to be precise, a lack of it.
Consider the following before it turns into a rabbit hole, which often becomes a mental and physical black hole.
Take a week off. Take a break. Talk to yourself with honesty and clarify your values and priorities. Think of what fills you with energy, ENTHUSIASM, joy and inspiration. And if it has nothing to do with your current job, it's time to get what you deserve – a position that can give you a feeling of purpose, putting your talent and skills into everything you do. Make an inventory of your skills, abilities and real wishes – and imagine the professional path that would make you wake up in a great and creative mood.
Remember we called enthusiasm a wallet word? When enthusiasm is back at work, you will get passion, inspiration, energy and the ability to move mountains as a sweet bonus.
At Kelly, we know much about bringing back those lost positive feelings and emotions at work. We like to show that there's a limitless world of opportunities and that everyone can live feeling needed, appreciated and successful.
