It’s Contagious: How to Harness the Amazing Power of Enthusiasm
My first “real” job was working the floor at our local Musicland store. When the store closed each day, we’d lower the metal gate to the inside of the Eden Prairie shopping mall. One of my managers, Jeff, would always start the store closing rituals the same way: He’d play Van Halen music super loud. I can still picture him hitting air guitar solos and drum rhythms right on cue while he sorted CDs and vacuumed the floor. Energy burst out of him as he mouthed the words of every song.
From those days forward, I’ve loved Van Halen. One of my best friendships later in life began with a shared love for Van Halen. Now my kids love Van Halen. Dad, play Jump or Panama while we’re driving! And during a recent jam session with them, this struck me:
Jeff never used words to sell me on the merits of Van Halen. He never listed the superior musical qualities of the band (of which there are many). I never heard him compare Van Halen to other bands to point out the differentiating points. And I’m pretty sure he never gave me a PowerPoint presentation on the benefits and ROI of becoming a Van Halen listener.
Despite not using any of these proven communication approaches, I embraced his “product” and I’m still using it today.
Now, you say, he didn’t need to use words because it’s music. Music speaks directly to the soul. It either resonates or it doesn’t.
But that doesn’t explain why other great bands in a similar genre or time period faded into my memories of the 80s and 90s.
Sure, the quality of the music and my taste for it played a role. But I think Jeff made the difference. I still smile picturing him feel the music and show his excitement for the band. It was contagious.
Dale Carnegie once said, “Enthusiasm is contagious – and so is the lack of it.”
Napoleon Hill wrote, “Enthusiasm is the steam that drives the engine.”
And Carlos Santana declared, “There is nothing more contagious on this planet than enthusiasm.”
Do you have a movement to spread? A product to sell? A group to join? An idea to present?
Perhaps there’s nothing more important than showing your enthusiasm.
What Is Enthusiasm?
Webster tells us that it’s a strong excitement of feeling; something inspiring zeal or fervor. The word etymology indicates that it’s having a spirit within (which does make me think of a cheerleader at a sports competition).
To be authentically enthusiastic for you, it’s important to cultivate and pursue positive feelings. For instance, you might immerse yourself and remind yourself of the benefits of what you want to be enthusiastic about: Use your product. Talk to your customers. Remember what’s good, what works, and why it works.
What Does Enthusiasm Look Like?
And it’s important to act enthusiastic. Not everyone looks like my manager Jeff when they are enthusiastic. Everyone’s personality and circumstances reveal enthusiasm in different ways. For some, it’s animated and loud. For others, it’s deliberate and quiet. Usually, though, it comes with a change in how we look, sound, or act. It’s elevated with an intense quality.
Sometimes actions follow feelings. Many times, feelings come from actions. For example, we might feel more endeared to someone after we’ve acted caring toward them. The same is true with enthusiasm.
Dale Carnegie also said this about enthusiasm:
Act enthusiastic and you’ll be enthusiastic.
Where do you need to bring the enthusiasm?
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