Character Development Lesson Seven

Enthusiasm – A Winning Spirit!

An athletic building program must always be planned so that it spreads and develops enthusiasm. Like everything else, it starts with the coach. You must love life, love the game, and love your players. You must encourage and build and excite your players to become their best. Your enthusiasm is contagious. You must create the environment and provide the motivation so that it becomes a habit to play the game enthusiastically.

Harry Truman, our 33rd President, said: “The successful man has enthusiasm. Good work is never done in cold blood; heat and fire is needed to forge anything solid. Every great achievement is the story of a flaming heart.”

Enthusiasm is adding emotion to our efforts. A player without enthusiasm is like a fire without a wind. The fire will burn, but it will never be a raging blaze. The player will try but only enough to “just get by.” When he becomes enthusiastic, however, he becomes an uncontrollable flame of intense effort. He becomes emotional.

The unenthusiastic player is like a man carrying an anvil on his back. He drags around, barely able to move. He’s bored with everything and many times feels sorry for himself. It is important that athletes realize how lucky they are and how many blessings and talents they have. They need to see the benefits that can come from using their talents as opposed to wasting them. Our potential is infinite and extends beyond our wildest imagination. God has given us everything we need. Our only limitations are those we place on ourselves.

The following is a poem on enthusiasm that points out its unique power:

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm! That certain something that makes us great – that pulls us out of the mediocre and commonplace – that builds into us power. It glows and shines, it lights up our faces. Enthusiasm, the keynote that makes us sing and makes men sing with us.

Enthusiasm – the maker of friends – the maker of smiles – the producer of confidence. It cries to the world, “I’ve got what it takes.” It tells all men that your job is a great job – the company you work for just suits you – the goods you have are the best.

Enthusiasm – the inspiration that makes you “wake up and live.” It puts spring in your step -spring in your heart – a twinkle in your eyes – confidence in yourself and your fellow man.

Enthusiasm is reason gone mad to achieve a definite, rational objective.

Enthusiasm is inflamed by opposition, but never converted; it’s the leaping lightning that blasts obstacles from its path.

Enthusiasm is a contagion that laughs at quarantine and inoculates all who come in contact with it.

Enthusiasm is the vibrant thrill in your voice that sways the wills of others into harmony with your own.

Enthusiasm is the “philosopher’s stone” that transmutes dull tasks into delightful deeds.

Enthusiasm is a magnet that draws kindred souls with irresistible force and electrifies them with magnetism of its own resolves.

Enthusiasm – do you have it?