There is always a danger at this time of year that your enthusiasm drops as the cold winter nights set in and the year comes to an end. I've certainly felt this the last few weeks. It's normal to go through periods when you are not your usual enhtusiastic self but it can become a habit if it goes on too long.
If you are feeling your enthusiasm for your life and work dipping, try one of these 8 ways to get enthusiastic again.
- Get beginner's eyes. The older we get, the more expert and experienced we are. This is one step short of jaded. To break this habit, imagine that each problem or situation is the first time you have had to deal with it. Don't refer to previous experiences. Treat it as if it is the first time you have had to deal with it.
- Mentor someone. This is a long term commitment but it will show you things you take for granted are actually great skills you have built up over time. When you see how skilled you are, your enthusiasm grows.
- Do something that scares you. Sometimes you just need to shake things up. Be brave. It is a thin line between fear and enthusiasm.
- Write a thank you note to your life. A bit tacky but being grateful for all the things in your life is the first step to getting enthusiastic again.
- Teach. When a student told his master that he was discouraged, the master said: "Encourage someone!" Teaching a group of more junior employees how to do something is a great way to get your enthusiasm back. You are forced to have beginner's eyes.
- Volunteer. It doesn't matter what for. Helping others less fortunate will bring your enthusiasm gushing back.
- Give yourself a stupidly ambitious short term goal. I did this recently by deciding to write a book on management training (Sex-Up Your Training) in one month. I did it and it was so energising.
- Clear out your house. Throwing away old stuff you no longer use is a great way to get your enthusiasm up. A fresh start almost always means new enthusiasm for life!
Your small improvement for today is to do one thing from the list above.
