Enthusiasm is a trait that is considered desirable in the modern world. Enthusiastic people feel above-average interest in the things they do and are highly and energetically committed to them – both in their working lives and in their private or social lives. In the world of work, enthusiasm is considered a key competence.
What is enthusiasm ability?
Physiologically, enthusiasm is a state of excitement of the midbrain. The term “enthusiasm” has had different meanings throughout history. Originally, it was understood as inspiration by divine spirit. In this context, the Greek word “enthusiasm” moves between fulfillment and possession, so it can be understood positively or negatively. In the 4th century, the “Enthusiasts,” a Christian Syriac sect, believed they could force the presence of the Holy Spirit through constant prayer, meditation and asceticism. In modern times, too, there were always movements that were considered “enthusiastic” in this sense, for example, some Protestant groups in the 16th and 17th centuries. More and more, the term became synonymous with religious fanatics of various stripes. From the 18th century onward, “enthusiasm” came to be understood primarily in secular terms as a passion for a particular cause of which a person or group is convinced and for which he or she works with great devotion and joy. Enthusiastic people are in a state of joyful excitement. Enthusiastic is someone who is open to new things and can be convinced of the advantages of a cause to such an extent that he is prepared to actively work for it. The mental strength (motivation) necessary for this is drawn from precisely this commitment to the thing that inspires.
Function and task
Enthusiasm goes hand in hand with a high level of motivation. Enthusiastic people do not suffer from boredom or indifference, because they can gain interesting aspects from many things or circumstances, from which they are stimulated to act. Enthusiastic people are welcome in the world of work or even in voluntary work, because they are not only characterized by their drive, but are also the best ambassadors for the cause because of the joyful mood in which they act. People who are enthusiastic about something themselves can also win other people over to it. Enthusiasm is contagious. True enthusiasm is characterized by voluntariness and inner drive. Enthusiastic people usually find topics and subject areas of their own accord in which they develop an above-average interest, combined with the desire to work in this area and to advance the cause. This desire goes beyond a rational interest and, in the case of those capable of enthusiasm, is associated with highly positive emotions. Enthusiasm creates a zest for life. Physiologically, enthusiasm is a state of excitation of the midbrain. This allows a number of neurotransmitters to be released in a chain of reactions, including adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine, as well as endorphins and enkephalins. It is not only people who are naturally more enthusiastic than average who experience this elation. Everyone can ignite the fire of enthusiasm within themselves. For this it is important to perceive one’s own interests and strong sides and to occupy oneself with them. Since contents, for which interest exists, are learned more easily and problems are solved more readily, success experiences set in fast, which can screw an enthusiasm spiral upward. The first sign of enthusiasm is the dedicated, joyful engagement with the inspiring topics, the so-called flow. In addition, enthusiasm not only motivates people to commit themselves to the cause, but also helps them to overcome any difficulties that arise by searching intensively and persistently – and usually successfully – for solutions. This in turn reinforces the sense of achievement and fires up enthusiasm anew. Enthusiastic people not only experience a sense of achievement through their efforts, but also feelings of happiness and fulfillment. They do things “with their heart and soul,” “they are totally committed to the cause. They often take on responsibility for other people, who motivate and guide them.They are often perceived as likeable and are occasionally referred to as role models because their skills, knowledge and the extremely positive view of their activities are attractive and stimulating to others. Enthusiastic people seek to convince others, not persuade them. Depending on the subject matter and the expression of their enthusiasm, they can be seen as “doers” or as “idealists.”
Diseases and ailments
Enthusiasm goes hand in hand with numerous traits found in childhood: Joy of discovery, creativity, immersion in playful interaction with an object or thing, seemingly unlimited time to spend with the object of enthusiasm. However, enthusiasm can also develop negative manifestations when it reaches its limits. Thus, enthusiasts can lose their sense of reality or block out certain – problematic – areas of the matter. This can lead to dogmatism and limited communication skills, from which their potential to motivate others can suffer. The positive spiral that enthusiasm develops in the best case can also turn into its opposite. Those who, with the best intentions, arguments and motives, are unable to generate resources and comrades-in-arms in the long run will be limited in their actions and the resulting feelings of success and happiness. As a result, experiences of frustration occur. If those with enthusiasm do not succeed in acting out their drive in other ways and generating the associated feelings of success and happiness elsewhere, they are at risk of falling into depression. One of the most well-known depressions today is the exhaustion depression known as burnout. Although it can have different causes and manifestations, it is often accompanied by the mental “burnout” of a person who has previously “burned out” intensively and also often for a long time for one thing. This means that all the positive effects of the inner drive and the great creative power of enthusiasm, if they cannot be lived out in a positive environment or under supportive conditions, can turn into their opposite. Meaning escapes from enthusiasm and with it the motivation to act. The activity that generated zest for life comes to a halt.
