Enthusiasm; Feeding the Fire

According to Merriam-webster dictionary, Enthusiasm is defined as "something inspiring zeal or fervor". It is that first jump you 'get' to do something and 'need' to keep it going.
Enthusiasm is a good thing especially when it involves starting a project but it can be quite frustrating if you lose your enthusiasm after a while. Don't feel too bad, it happens to even the best of us.

Source

It is that first jump you 'get' to do something and 'need' to keep it going.

The key issue I would say, is CHANGE. Like, when you see the amount of changes required to be made or involved to carry out that project you just have this feeling to balk which we most often than not, act upon (most especially things that require you leave your comfort zone).

For instance;
I was skinny looking, then I saw Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson's transformation picture. So, I said to myself that "if he could do it, so could I". I went online to research about anything and everything I might need about muscle building. After feeling I had enough materials, I started to exercise 1hr everyday, in the morning and at night.

Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson's transformation [source]
Then it happened, after some days the routine reduced to just mornings and then to 10 minutes and then just stopped. Now, I didn't stop because I got what I wanted (I look better than before (I think) but I'm still skinny though) but because I lost the initial enthusiasm. This happens to everyone.

A new year is about to begin and you make a list of new year resolutions to guide you throughout the year but you find yourself slacking maybe after a month.
A new school session begins and you claim that from your past experience, you will begin reading early but into the third week you just feel...meh 😐, I'll survive even if I read close to the examination period.
The list can go on and on.
Something makes you enthusisatic, but at a point the enthusiasm dwindles. We often forget why we started to do something.
If you want to achieve anything, you cannot depend on temporary enthusiasm and desire because the mind is easily distracted.
Enthusiasm is like fire, it needs constant feeding to keep the flames alight.

What can I do to keep my enthusiasm?

*Reason with yourself and appropriate reasons as to why you are starting something.
*Understand from the start, those things you'll likely sacrifice that may not be comfortable.
*Keep a constant reminder of what you want to accomplish.
*Be determined.
*Use all your willpower and self discipline, then use some more.

While enthusiasm helps you start a project, what keeps it going is YOU! You need to cultivate discipline.

Coach John Wooden [source]

In the words of the famous former UCLA coach Wooden, “People are usually as happy as they make up their mind to be”. Permit me to paraphrase, "People are usually as enthusiastic as they make up their mind to be".