A famous general was visiting paratroopers during war, and he asked some of them, “How do you like jumping out of planes?”

The first paratrooper responded, “I love it, sir!”

The second one said, “It’s a fantastic experience, sir!”

However, the third paratrooper responded: “I’m scared to death, sir, and don’t much like it.”

“Then why do you do it?” the general inquired.

“Because I love being around guys who enjoy it,” he replied.

Who would you rather be around? Someone who exudes enthusiasm and zest for life or a pessimistic bore? When given a choice, most people would rather befriend the most enthusiastic, upbeat person. International Enthusiasm Week is celebrated Sept. 1-7 every year.

Do people enjoy being around you? Are you the type of person who attracts others because of your enthusiasm? If you want to be liked, show that you enjoy life by your enthusiasm.

The word enthusiasm comes from the Greek roots en and theos and means “God within.” It is a fire, a passion within. Real enthusiasm is not something you “put on” or “take off” to fit the occasion. It is a way of life, according to author Glenn Van Ekeren.

Enthusiasm is a blend of attitudes and actions that are necessary for success.  Here are elements that I think are critical. 

Excitement. Mark Twain was once asked the secret to his success. He said, “I was born excited.” If your idea or product doesn’t excite you, find something that does.

Never give up. The hardest sale you’ll ever make is to yourself. But once you’re convinced you can do it, you are unstoppable.

Tenacity. It helps to have a little bulldog in you to achieve your dreams. As Amelia Earhart  said, “The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.”

Happiness. To me, happiness is the key to success. Only you can draw the map of the road to your happiness.

Upbeat. It is absolutely essential that you have a positive mental attitude in every aspect of life. Stay upbeat no matter what happens. 

Self-confidence. Self-confidence is extremely important in almost every aspect of our lives. Confidence enables you to perform to the best of your abilities, without the fear of failure holding you back.

Impression. First impressions matter, and so do second, third and the rest. Your enthusiasm is contagious – and so is a lack of it.

Attitude. A can-do attitude is the mind’s paintbrush. It can color any situation.

Spark. Enthusiasm is the spark that ignites success. You need the fire in your belly, not heartburn, to keep your dream alive.

Motivation. Success comes from knowing what you want, not wanting what you know. When you understand your reasons for pushing forward, it’s much easier to bring others on board.

If you look closely, you’ll see that the first letters of those words in bold type spell out ENTHUSIASM.  The forces that make up enthusiasm are within us. Don’t be afraid to dig deep to unleash them.

Think about the people you’ve known who exude enthusiasm. The teacher introducing a new idea or book or activity to a class of sleepy teenagers. The cheerleader who stays peppy even when the team is down by 20 points. The child who mastered riding a bike without training wheels. The business owner who is hosting a grand opening of a new venture. The grandparent gushing over the birth of the first grandchild. The newly-engaged couple planning a life together. 

All those people are dreaming of the successes to come. Enthusiasm overflows on everyday events. The trick is to keep it going. If it was there in the beginning, you can find it again. If you look hard enough, you’ll discover the joy in small achievements. The world’s work is done every day by people who could have stayed in bed but didn’t.

We all know the Energizer Bunny, a well-recognized symbol of enthusiasm – it just keeps going and going and going. When you’re stuck, use the bunny for inspiration.  

“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success,” said Ralph Waldo Emerson. “When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

Mackay’s Moral: The worst bankrupt in the world is the person who has lost his or her enthusiasm.