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Maybe I've just become more aware of it since I began serious personal development many years ago, but there doesn't seem to be any shortage of people that appear to be very negative. Sadly, you don't need to look very far to find individuals that are pessimistic, cynical and generally miserable. I feel really bad for these people.
I was telling a story to the participants of a "Goal in Mind" session I was leading the other day about a conversation I overheard between a counter salesman at a parts store and a regular customer. This took place about 3:30 in the afternoon. The customer casually asked the Salesman "how you doing?" The salesman replied "is it Friday yet?" Here's what struck me though...it was only Monday!
Can you image being so miserable that you wish time away just to get to the weekend? (If you can, I want you to drop everything immediately and go find something that inspires you to look forward to every new day you're given). Yet many people give little thought to the effect upon themselves by being around, or spending time with negative people. You see, negativity, just like any other type of thinking, is very contagious; without even knowing it, you can begin to take on the negative attitudes of those around you.
On the other hand, there is a gentleman who watches over the self-check out isles at the grocery store where I shop. He bags customer's groceries and makes sure he's there to help anyone who is struggling while checking out (thank goodness for me!). I don't know if he likes his job or not, but he does it with incredible enthusiasm. I actually look forward to seeing him. He's the type of guy that makes you feel more enthusiastic about things even if you're not having the best of days.
In other words, his enthusiasm is incredibly contagious. People love to be around positive enthusiastic people.
Enthusiasm is nothing new to most people, but we tend to reserve it for certain times (Friday afternoon verses Monday morning) or maybe even certain activities we love to do. I think some people believe being enthusiastic is something they've outgrown. But think about some thing you do with genuine enthusiasm, and then think for a moment about how much everything you do could be better if you approached it with enthusiasm.
I believe that if you're taking your time to read this, you have a true desire to improve and be your best. Well, as the very quotable Ralph Waldo Emerson said"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Likewise, many of you are in the sales business and handling one of the biggest transactions of a person's life. Have you ever encountered a salesman with no enthusiasm? In many cases, your customers are looking to you for validation before making a huge decision. Hey, if you don't show any enthusiasm for what they're about to enter into, don't you think that might make them think twice? Also, your experience might even become secondary to your energy and enthusiasm and be the reason you're hired.
But even more, your enthusiasm won't just have a tremendous impact on your life but will have a dramatic impact those around you. Do you think the gentleman who works at the grocery has any idea he has made such a positive impression on me? I'm sure not, but that's the best part. As you become more enthusiastic about life, your enthusiasm will be contagious and you'll never know whose life you can make a little better.
So this week, don't just get out of bed and thoughtlessly begin your day. Make a pact with yourself that not only will you pause to be grateful for another day, but try to approach each and everything you do throughout the day with renewed enthusiasm. Maybe, before you know it , it might just become a habit.
Make it your best week, Joe
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