No. 372: It is not that 'you move because you have enthusiasm,' but 'enthusiasm is born because you move'—How to intentionally create passion

One Monday morning in Singapore, I went into a meeting with a client without feeling motivated.

Thinking, 'I'm not in the mood today,' I sat in my chair, forced a smile, and greeted them.

Strangely enough, ten minutes later, I was genuinely enjoying the conversation.

I learned later that this can be explained through neuroscience.

Enthusiasm is something you 'choose,' not something you 'have'

Many people assume that 'enthusiasm is innate' or that 'people with high energy have an advantage,' but the reality is different.

Neuroscientific research shows that acting with an enthusiastic attitude promotes dopamine secretion in the brain, which actually improves performance. In other words, the order is not 'you move because you have enthusiasm,' but 'enthusiasm is born because you move.'

Enthusiasm is an attitude you can choose for yourself, regardless of the situation. This is good news. Even if you lack motivation, if you can choose to take the first step, enthusiasm will follow.

How to 'show enthusiasm' when dealing with clients

In your interactions with clients, infusing enthusiasm into your tone of voice, facial expressions, and choice of words significantly increases trust.

Let's compare. A specific expression like, 'I am truly happy about the success of your recent project. I will support you with all my might in the next step,' leaves a deeper impression on a client's heart than a standard phrase like, 'Thank you as always.'

The difference is not in the amount of information, but in whether or not you give them the feeling that 'this person is paying attention to me.'

Making enthusiasm 'contagious' to the team

A leader's enthusiasm is contagious to the team. When a leader verbalizes their expectations for the day's goals during the first meeting of the morning, the energy level of the entire team rises.

In today's world where remote work has become standard, it is important to intentionally 'visualize' enthusiasm. Leaving words of encouragement in the comment section of project management tools, actively using Slack reactions, and sending weekly messages of gratitude to the team—enthusiasm can be conveyed even in digital spaces.

There is a pitfall here

'Doesn't it get tiring to keep your energy high every morning?'

Enthusiasm is not about 'raising your energy.' A quiet focus of 'giving my all to this very moment' is enough.

I also often hear the concern that 'a fake smile will be seen through by the other person.' However, research has confirmed the 'facial feedback effect,' where genuine emotions follow after you create the facial expression first. It is fine to 'act' at first. By continuing, it becomes real.

On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your enthusiasm level today?

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