Lessons From the Dance Floor: Enthusiasm

Week 8 Lessons from the Dance Floor: Enthusiasm

At the beginning of my dance journey, I was bursting with enthusiasm. Every new step and move filled me with an invigorating sense of wonder. I felt inspired and unstoppable, absorbing the choreography with ease. I was in love with every moment on the dance floor, and I felt like I could conquer anything. Committing to 12 weeks of dance, dedicating 8 hours each week, seemed like a thrilling adventure.

When I commit to something, I dive in headfirst. I become completely immersed, thinking about it day and night. My goal is always to learn quickly, to excel, to win. I crave the satisfaction of mastery and often wish I could skip the awkward beginner phase.

So, you can imagine, my initial enthusiasm was sky-high.

But halfway through, things changed. I didn’t expect the journey to be so challenging. I realized I needed more time to grow, develop, and practice. My enthusiasm started to wane, and with it came frustration. I began to be impatient with myself, making more mistakes despite watching after-class videos repeatedly. I struggled to recall dance patterns during social dances, which only added to my frustration.

I noticed a shift in my attitude.

That’s when I learned a crucial lesson: enthusiasm is everything.

One of my instructors, Ervin Kormos from Saskatoon Salsa, embodies this perfectly. His passion and energy are contagious, reminding me that the attitude we bring to any endeavor—whether it’s a hobby, relationship, job, or dance—shapes our experience and outcomes.

With this in mind, I decided to approach my dance classes differently this week. Instead of focusing on my shortcomings, I celebrated how far I’d come. This shift in perspective reignited my enthusiasm and made every moment on the dance floor joyful again.

So, how can we translate this lesson into the workplace?

Just like in dance, enthusiasm in our professional lives can make all the difference. When we approach our tasks with a positive attitude and a passion for growth, we set ourselves up for success. People notice us. We make an impact and perhaps inspire.

It’s about celebrating progress, no matter how small, and staying committed even when challenges arise. Enthusiasm fuels resilience, creativity, and collaboration, leading to a more fulfilling and productive work experience.

How about we bring the same spirit of enthusiasm to our daily work, inspiring ourselves and those around us to continue practicing, get better, contribute with generosity, become an encourager, and achieve greatness.

Cheering for your continued success!

Jacqueline