Enthusiasm a mostly positive trait

People with enthusiasm possess an interesting characteristic. Approaching life with zest and optimism, they are refreshing to those around them. Often perceived as full of energy, they usually accomplish most of the things they set out to do. They seem to view as challenges what others view as problems, and they frequently have a good sense of humor.

Have you ever known someone who could be described as being infectiously enthusiastic? These people often attract others who are less than enthusiastic; frequently their ideas, energy and manner rub off, producing a group effect.

Organizations benefit from the enthusiastic employee. Projects are tackled, morale is higher and the group working on the project becomes more cohesive.

When an enthusiastic person enters a room already filled with people, he or she can alter the “chemistry” of the others. They seem to be a catalyst, drawing forth the hidden energy of their companions. They may be described as dynamic, as problem solvers or simply as go-getters.

Enthusiastic people can, however, produce a feeling of fatigue in those with whom they interact on an on-going basis. Unbeknownst to them, they may finally wear you out. Taken to extremes, they can possess a manic-like characteristic. What can a person who is habitually enthusiastic about everything do to keep from becoming a bother to those around them?

He may recognize that enthusiasm taken in healthy doses produces inspiration – but excessive amounts of enthusiasm can be too much of a good thing. He may learn to be sensitive to the situation and whether the enthusiasm is appropriate to the time, place and person.

If you are on the receiving end of an enthusiastic person’s gifts, try to remember that their intentions are probably good. Your perception may be that you wish their moods were not always so constant, so upbeat, while their perception may be that you need to be cheered up and feel sure that their enthusiasm will bolster you. You may even have to tell some enthusiastic individuals that you are not being as receptive at this particular time as you might be in other circumstances. You may have just had an unpleasant encounter.

All things considered, however, the merits of the enthusiastic individual far outweigh the merits of those less than enthusiastic individuals. The robustness of the enthusiastic person is a tremendous asset to many groups needing a “spark plug” to jump start them and keep them moving. And infectious enthusiasm promotes an espirit de corps in a group.

To the enthusiastic people of the world, we salute you for your unique contribution to others. We need you most, if not all the time. But if we should feel filled with your gift before you stop giving, please forgive us for saying, “Thank you, that will be enough for now, please.”

Copyright c 1990 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.