Have you ever met someone who seems just so excited to be alive? People who seem like no matter what they do, they do it with their heart and soul – with so much passion and energy…

These are extraordinary people and usually they perform extraordinarily in life and work. They inspire and uplift you by just being around them. What sets them apart is their enthusiasm, having “great excitement for or interest in a subject or cause” (Webster’s Dictionary).

Although certain people have a natural tendency towards this characteristic, we can all cultivate this in our lives and we can do this by focussing on two things:

1. Our values.

These are the things that are really important to us: issues, items or characteristics that we value in life. When you are clear about what you believe and what you stand for, it is much easier to become excited about life. Not knowing what your deepest values are in life could prevent you from being enthusiastic about the gift of life.

Therefore make sure what your values are. If you would like assistance with this, the Gears of Life self assessment has a “core value finder” that is an excellent tool in helping you to identify your values.

 2. What you love to do.

Find out what gets your blood pumping. What really excites you?

When do you become a lot more animated in your speech? With what are you busy when you loose track of time? Whatever these things may be, do more of it! Life is more than just getting up and going to work.

Start to do more of what you love and you’ll experience that it is not just the quality of your life that will improve, but that you will actually get excited about life.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” So focus on what you value and what you love to do, and see how your enthusiasm and zest for life will improve and with it, your performance!