One of the major events of this month is the announcement of the election results in the United States. I was happy with the change, I hope it will bring a new spirit internationally, and on more levels.

One aspect that amazed me, however, was finding out the age of the new president: 78 years old! I was amazed to see the energy, the vitality this man has. I have seen the same level of energy and enthusiasm in one of my teachers, from Insead: he is the same age as the newly elected president of the USA and works, during this period, on 4 new books, he has already finished another one that will be released in January, he teaches courses, he does executive coaching, he is a consultant for large companies, governments of some states. He called me two weeks ago and seemed more alive than many young people (‘young people’ meaning any person younger than 78 years old) I know.

What makes these people like this? Where can we get our energy from? I would list a few things:

  • Let’s focus on what is really important: if today was our only day, what would we fill it with? Who would belong? What colors would it get? In what notes would it play? How would we create this day, would we use various colors, as a work of art, as the most beautiful stained-glass window in the world?
  • Let’s surround ourselves with those people who matter, let’s make room for them in our lives.
  • Let’s choose that job that will make it easy for us to wake up in the morning.
  • Let’s take ourselves less seriously, for no reason, from time to time: everyone works, everyone is stressed, busy, we all had measles when we were little. Like that Romanian saying: ‘get over it’!
  • Let’s focus more on others, not just on ourselves; let’s ask others questions, let’s really care, and show them that we do.
  • Let’s have various activities: a job is very important in our lives; beyond it, however, there are also passions, sports, friends, lovers, family, music, favorite foods, books, cars, travel (when possible), the little joys of life.

I suggest we do an audit of our day. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you grade it? How full of activities and moods stated above is it? What would you change? What can you do differently today in order to get more energy? Not for nothing, but enthusiasm attracts people with ideas, energy, creativity, opportunities. The word ‘enthusiasm’ comes from the Greek language, where it means ‘of divine inspiration’. Now, of course, the choice is up to each of us.