When was the last time you were genuinely excited about something?
Passionately over the top, abundantly energetic, unable to contain yourself because of pure enthusiasm?
Classic author Roald Dahl said this:
“I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life…. if you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it at full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. Hot is no good either. White hot and passionate is the only thing to be.”
I’ve had this quote hanging up in my office for almost six months now. It’s become an encouragement, a mantra, and a reminder to run towards the things that I’m passionate about.
To live like an enthusiast is a rhythm not entirely unnatural to me, but intentionally practicing it as a mindset has been life changing. Growing up, I used to get embarassed when I got really excited about something, or laughed really hard at a clever joke. But now, I find myself pushing into even the smallest things that I love.
Becoming passionate about what others may find meaningless is the backbone of any kind of movement, and an crucial step towards finding contentment. Chasing your dreams and doing what you love are important things to work for, but the tools and ability to be able to love what you do and dream where you are will set you up for success no matter where life takes you.
With this mindset, of living like an enthusiast, you’ll learn to be who you are, love where you’re at, and get excited about life on a daily basis.
Read more blog posts on Intentional Living here.
How to Live Like an Enthusiast
Celebrate the Little Things
First, you need to understand that to live like an enthusiast is to not just make the most of every day, but of every moment.
I’m a firm believer that there is always something to get excited about. It just takes some practice learning to look for it.It’s not necessarily about shifting your lifestyle, or investing large amounts of time/finances to find something more satisfying. You can get excited about having good coffee in the morning. Wearing your favourite shirt. Driving in the rain because it reminds you of New York City in the fall.
Your circumstances, job, relationship status, or emotions may not be within your control, at least in the sense of instant change—but your attitude is. You are responsible for the ways in which you interact with the world around you and what imprints you leave on it.
Taking it a step further — think hard about when you wake up in the morning. What’s your goal for the day?
All too easily, your mental target for any given day can become to simply “get through it”. Going through the motions, checking off the boxes, and getting back into bed. But not only is this no way to live, it’s actually really bad for your mental health. Studies have shown that we function much better when our short-term, daily goals aren’t based on us, but on how we impact others.
Instead of starting your entire morning resigning yourself to misery, begin with two questions:
- What can I get excited about today?
- Watch your favourite movie later, pick up ice cream on the way home, take time to do nice makeup, spend time with a friend
- How will I positively impact other people today?
- Smile at strangers, ask a coworker how they’re doing — and mean it, check on someone who’s struggling, pay it forward, be extra friendly to the one guy who always frowns at you
The world can feel heavy and loud sometimes, but you don’t have to stay in the noise. Celebrate life. The breath in your lungs, the weather, the people around you, and the roof over your head. Get excited about the good things. Find ways to encourage other people. And when things start feeling dark, either find the light, or be it.
Get Passionate About Everything
A key part of living life like an enthusiast is giving yourself space to fully explore and embrace the things you love. To feel things deeply, even if it seems silly or small.
For example: I love The Office. I quote it at least three times a day, I’ve watched it more times than I can count, and when I thought “what am I passionate about?” it’s one of the first three things that popped into my head. And I am passionate about it. I think the writing is fantastic, I love the character development, and I’m constantly impressed by how detailed it is. Additionally, it’s not your basic sitcom, ripping off the same scenarios over and over again.
Yeah, it’s a TV show. (To clarify – TV consumption always comes second to relationships and is used as a winding-down, fun activity, not a preferred lifestyle.) But I love it, and it’s something that I can get excited about.
How often do you go all-in with your heart? Be it directed towards a relationship, a TV show, book, or career, you need to chase things that you love. Two feet in, no looking back, just jumping.
Lukewarm is no good.
Hopefully this goes without saying, but use discretion about what you go all in on. It will become a piece of your heart and of you, and it is possible to lose that (which is partly why a lot of people have never gone all-in). But loving something so fully is an experience like none other, and it’s worth pursuing.
Be realistic & give yourself grace
For all you’ve read about changing your attitude, investing your heart, and choosing to get excited, there are two things you need to hear as cautionary warnings.
1. Stay grounded.
It’s encouraged to romanticize your life a bit. Get a little cheesy, hope for the best, believe in true love and shooting stars and dream like crazy. But stay grounded. Don’t place all of your joy and excitement on big, unpredictable things that aren’t in your control. Remember what matters the most in your life, and keep your priorities straight.
2. Give yourself grace.
Being an enthusiast doesn’t mean you won’t have days where you’re just in a bad mood. You’ll probably have moments of burn out and exhaustion in the same way we all do. Furthermore, life is crazy — and crap happens. When you’re struggling, give yourself grace to process, heal, and feel without any pressure to put on a fake happy face.
To live like an enthusiast takes intentionality, practice, and determination. There’s no magic button that makes you happier overnight. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, bored, or unhappy with your day-to-day, give an enthusiastic mindset a shot. It doesn’t have to be big or loud, but the small changes you make in how you see the world will result in a more positive outlook, more good days, and you’ll never want to go back.
Leave a comment & let me know your favourite way to treat yourself!
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