Challenge Your Potential: Competent Leadership, Part 5

The topics of "energy and enthusiasm" might seem a little unusual for our leadership series. However, when you really stop and think about leadership, don't you agree that leaders who make a difference have energy and enthusiasm that motivates others to be their best, produce quality work and encourage others to do the same?

People who have energy and enthusiasm are passionate about their goals. They put their hearts and minds into their endeavors. Having strength of commitment creates positive influence that motivates others and that's contagious. Washington Irving once said, "Enthusiasts soon understand each other."

Several years ago, I discovered this anonymous quote:

If you can't get enthusiastic about your work, it's time to get alarmed-something is wrong. Compete with yourself; set your teeth and dive into the job of breaking your own record. No one keeps up his enthusiasm automatically. Enthusiasm must be nourished with new actions, new aspirations, new efforts, new vision. It is one's own fault if his enthusiasm is gone; he has failed to feed it. If you want to turn hours into minutes, renew your enthusiasm.

Throughout my career, my energy and enthusiasm had a direct affect on my attitude towards my work, co-workers and boss. To take it a step further, my energy and enthusiasm affected every aspect of both my personal and professional life. Our energy and enthusiasm is not always generated by the traditional success factors such as exercise and food. I'd like to introduce you to a few fresh ideas that might surprise you.

In this month's challenge, let's focus on some ideas that will nourish your enthusiasm. Review and ponder the list and then focus on one or two that you might want to put into action.

1. Know that you count-and act as if you do.

Never demonstrate any behaviors that diminish your self-confidence or self-worth. Your presence makes a difference. Practice the art of "living into" the realization that you really are important.

2. Stop complaining.

Complaining is a big clue that you are not taking responsibility for the experiences you are having and the choices you are making. When we control our reactions to whatever life hands us, we have the advantage. I can create my own misery, or I can create my own sense of well-being and growth. Wow! That's power! Enthusiasm is grounded in our understanding that when we have the opportunity to stretch our capacity to handle the world around us, we feel more powerful and confident.

3. Take an interest in people, contribute and add value.

Energy and enthusiasm is affected by those we surround ourselves with. Don't be so agenda driven that you don't make people a high enough priority. Increase your credibility by adding value to others around you. When we go out of our way to add value to others, it projects sincerity and lets others know you have no hidden agenda.

How can we do this? Don't keep your best stuff to yourself. Share your ideas and resources. Don't exploit other people's gaps to get ahead of them. It may feel awkward at first, but persevere. When there are no strings attached, people will trust your motives. You will be energized. Be careful of toxic people in your life! Make others accountable for the energy they bring into your life-because it will certainly have an impact on yours.

4. When offended, take the initiative.

Getting offended and allowing that feeling to sit and fester can rob us of our energy and enthusiasm faster than we realize. Consider the consequences of not clearing things up. We brood until the situation is blown out of proportion and we behave defensively to avoid further hurt. There's no enthusiasm when we take that route. Instead, preserve your dignity and self-respect and approach people in good spirits, without anger. Our feelings, perceptions and opinions are not facts.

5. Perform anonymous service.

Whenever we do small gestures of kindness or service for others, our sense of intrinsic worth and self-respect increases. Self-less service has always been one of the most powerful methods of informal influence and the secret to feeling enthusiastic. We all desire a personal touch from others. The U.S post office delivers about 17 billion pieces of mail per year. Less than 4% is composed of personal letters or notes. Let's increase that statistic! E-mails are nice, texting is quick and easy, but personal notes can change a person's attitude. Write one today.

6. Do your best and let go of the outcome.

We often need to quiet the negative chatter of our minds. Try developing the trust that everything is happening as it should. Let go of blame; stand tall and take control of your reactions to all life experiences. In others words, you've done your best, but even if things don't go the way you want, simply find a way to be enriched and energized by whatever life brings to you. Learn and grow from everything. This affirmation will bring you the peace you need to release the energy to "be your best self!" (Oprah says it best!)

7. Have regular celebrations!

There are all kinds of things to celebrate. I'm a firm believer in celebrating for no reason. Simply allow yourself to feel the joy of a beautiful morning or a baby's giggle. Enjoy the fact that you finished a tough project at work or that your boss's complicated travel itinerary went off without one glitch. Smile, laugh and sing. It can add 15 years to your life.

Widen your wingspan!

Moths have to work very hard to become beautiful butterflies. You should not settle for less than you can be. Work hard and focus on your gifts. Recall your moments of triumph. You are the creative force in your life-when you realize the empowerment that comes from knowing this one truth and living it, you won't need to worry about finding energy and enthusiasm; it will radiate from you all by itself!

Enthusiasm: It is energy. Everywhere it is the mainspring of what is called force of character and the sustaining power of all great action. -- Samuel Smiles