The finish line

# Chapter 24

It is always so hard to sustain energy or enthusiasm or intensity. There are too many events people and actions sapping it away. There seems to consistently to be more takers than givers. There are constantly more ways to spend it than generate it. You and I have to change this, because important actions and change the world courses will require a great deal of energy and enthusiasm. If you aspire to do something big, at scale, too make this world a better place to live, then you are gonna need a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is probably an old word, maybe zeal or vivacity or eagerness or passion would be the more common usage words here, but Emerson used the word enthusiasm and so I followed suit. No matter which word you choose to use or idea you want to hold on to here, get the main point - you need some sustainable power and drive to get to the finish line. The more of this that comes from you the more control you have over its direction and application. The more of this that comes from an outside source the less directional control you have in your hands.

Now you understand the thinking and systems for why us leadership consultants are always asking you, “what are you so passionate about that it gets you up and running every morning?” Because you are going to need that to get to the next place you are heading. Because if you don’t have this enthusiasm, then the goal isn’t likely all that important after all.