Enthusiasm is essential

For joyful people with many interests, it’s easy to become distracted. And distraction can be our undoing.

Take it from me. Though I’ve developed base-line proficiency at many things—true expertise eludes me.

In this, I know I’m not alone. About one third of people who take the Enneagram personality test also are Enthusiasts (Type 7).

The upside is that we are fun-loving. Spontaneous and versatile. But the downside is that we are squirrels. Distractible and scattered.  

Hungry or not, we gather up so many nuts—here, there, and everywhere. Because we find them so delicious.

Since joining the gig economy and turning 60, I’m more squirrely than ever. I write to put a roof over my head, and to inspire others to live simply and with intention. For fun, I’ve taken up the ukulele and play at improv. I clumsily paint and draw. I exercise and I cook. I cast my line into the River Men, and occasionally I get a nibble.

Even so, I’m forcing myself to focus on what’s most essential to me now: Creating a life that is rich and joyful—not only for me, but also for those around me.

With my words—and my acts of bravery and kindness and gratitude—I aim to add a drop of value to this crazy world. 

I’ve decided that’s essential. But how am I to focus for long enough to have impact?

Enter my discovery of another great book: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown.

The construct is simple. The non-essentialist engages willy-nilly—without discerning in advance whether projects or opportunities serve a higher personal or professional purpose.

Also, because of sunk costs or out of habit, the non-essentialist persists with activities or relationships that are clearly doomed.

The essentialist, however, has the discipline to discern what is most important. She focuses on fewer things, and therefore is less busy and more productive. She is playful, well rested and clear.

So then, here’s the rub: How can people like me—people like us—embrace essentialism without sacrificing the enthusiasm that is our power?

Recently, I’ve had to learn this the hard way.

I’ve just spent two weeks in bed after a hit-and-run collision between my scooter and a massive SUV. My priority has been to heal from four fractured ribs, a fractured spine, and the after-effects of a head trauma.

Having just one essential job made one thing absolutely clear.

Enthusiasm is essential, for any and every task.

Wholehearted, enthusiastic participation is essential to healing.

It’s essential to living.

And it’s essential to finding love.