By Renée L. Brown
Character is the foundation of a fulfilled and successful life. Among its many virtues, enthusiasm is one of the most transformative. Far more than mere excitement, enthusiasm is a hopeful energy that propels us forward, even in challenging circumstances. When rooted in character, enthusiasm has the power to eliminate destructive emotions such as envy and jealousy, replacing them with joy, hope, and a mindset of abundance.
To understand how enthusiasm can counteract envy and jealousy, we must first define these emotions and recognize their differences.
Envy is a feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or achievements. It arises from the belief that we lack what others have. For example, envying a colleague’s promotion or a friend’s lifestyle stems from a sense of personal inadequacy.
Jealousy, on the other hand, is the fear of losing something we value to someone else. It often occurs in relationships, where we feel threatened by a perceived rival. For instance, jealousy might emerge when we fear losing a partner’s affection to another person. While envy is rooted in longing for what we don’t have, jealousy stems from fear of losing what we do. Both emotions are grounded in insecurity, scarcity, and comparison, which ultimately hinder personal growth and damage relationships.
What Is Enthusiasm?
Enthusiasm is the intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval of life, fueled by hope. Derived from the Greek word enthousiasmos— “possessed by a god”—it reflects a divine energy that inspires creativity, perseverance, and joy. Enthusiasm is not dependent on external circumstances; it’s a mindset that keeps us motivated, even when facing adversity.
This hopeful energy makes enthusiasm an antidote to envy and jealousy. As Booker T. Washington wisely stated: “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” Enthusiasm inspires us to celebrate others’ successes rather than resent them, and to find joy in what we have instead of fearing its loss.
How Enthusiasm Counters Envy and Jealousy
Envy and jealousy thrive in a scarcity mindset, where we believe there’s a limited supply of success, love, or happiness. Enthusiasm, fueled by hope, shifts this mindset to one of abundance and gratitude.
1. Shifting Perspective: Enthusiasm focuses our attention on our own unique journey, eliminating the need to compare ourselves to others. Instead of resenting what someone else has, we celebrate it as proof of what’s possible for us.
2. Replacing Fear with Hope: Jealousy stems from fear, but enthusiasm thrives on hope. When we develop this virtue, we’re less likely to feel threatened by others’ presence or achievements.
3. Encouraging Generosity: Enthusiasm motivates us to lift others up. Celebrating someone else’s success diminishes envy and jealousy, replacing them with mutual respect and collaboration.
4. Building Confidence: A hopeful, enthusiastic mindset builds inner confidence, which neutralizes the insecurities that breed envy and jealousy.
The Role of Hope in Enthusiasm
Hope is the lifeblood of enthusiasm. It’s the belief that the future holds good things for us, even if we can’t see them yet. Hope enables us to be enthusiastic about life, regardless of current challenges. When you’re hopeful, you don’t need to envy others’ progress or fear losing what you have, you trust in your ability to achieve your own goals and maintain your own worth.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.” Enthusiasm, grounded in hope, helps us to stay resilient, optimistic, and focused on what truly matters.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm, like any character trait, requires practice and intention. Here are actionable steps to help you develop it:
1. Understand Your Triggers: Identify situations or relationships that evoke envy or jealousy. Acknowledge these feelings without judgment and remind yourself that others’ success doesn’t diminish your value.
2. Practice Gratitude: Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have. Regularly reflect on the blessings in your life to fuel your hope and enthusiasm.
3. Reframe Negative Thoughts: When envy or jealousy arises, use it as a signal to redirect your thoughts. Instead of thinking, “Why them and not me?” ask, “What can I learn from their success?”
4. Celebrate Others: Make it a habit to genuinely celebrate others’ achievements. Enthusiasm for their success fosters collaboration and positivity.
5. Pursue Your Passions: Focus on your own goals and interests. When you’re enthusiastic about your own journey, you’re less likely to compare yourself to others.
6. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you. Their energy will reinforce your own enthusiasm and diminish negativity.
A Call to Action
Enthusiasm is a choice, a deliberate commitment to hope, joy, and abundance. By cultivating this virtue, you can eliminate the destructive emotions of envy and jealousy, replacing them with a mindset that uplifts both yourself and others. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Let enthusiasm guide your journey as you develop the character traits that will help you break free from negativity and become your best self.
In the B.E.A.S.T mindset, enthusiasm is not just a trait, it’s a superpower. It allows you to embrace life with energy, hope, and purpose, transforming envy and jealousy into celebration and collaboration.
Break Free and Become a B.E.A.S.T!