I had just graduated from college and was about to move away and pursue my dreams. An older friend said something I thought was a bit peculiar at the time. She said, “Don’t ever lose your enthusiasm.” I was not particularly aware that I possessed any enthusiasm, and I had no idea how to keep whatever amount I had!
But since that time, I have come to realize what she meant. Over the years, I have seen my enthusiasm assailed by discouragements and difficulties. At times I have felt totally without energy and even disenchanted with life around m e .
I like what Mark Twain said about enthusiasm. When asked the reason for his success, he replied, “I was born excited.” But I now know why my friend said, “Never lose your enthusiasm.” For even if one is born excited, enthusiasm is easy to lose. And too many people never regain it.
– From Steve Goodier’s “Prescription For Peace”