How to rev up your zest quotient

 “Nothing else matters much; not wealth, nor learning, nor even health... without this gift: the spiritual capacity to keep zest in living. This is the creed of creeds, the final deposit and distillation of all important faiths: that you should be able to believe in life.” – Harry Emerson Fosdick

You may not have experienced zest but you can see it in other people – the spring in their step, their enthusiasm, energy, pride and passion. 

To some people, zest may feel overrated, or a mask to tell the outside world that they are happy. However, real zest can’t be fabricated. 

Real zest comes from within. It is infectious and enviable. It gives you the drive to get more done in less time and do it with gusto.

People who practice zest, embrace life as an adventure and push the envelope. They see possibility where others only see problems. They do big things and inspire others too. Zest is not a fixed trait, but a mindset. By cultivating it, we can all experience a life of energy and enthusiasm, which improves our effectiveness dramatically, especially in the workplace.

Try to create a workplace that not only displays your own zest, but helps cultivate it in your employees. Praise people at every opportunity; mentor and coach them enthusiastically, encourage meritocracy, not mediocrity or politics. Design a vibrant décor in the office. Ensure clarity of goals and roles. A zestful workplace is a more profitable workplace.

In a survey that was carried out on more than 9,800 employees, Christopher Peterson, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, and his colleagues found that personal zest was positively connected to an employee’s level of work satisfaction, overall life satisfaction, and belief that their work was a calling, rather than just a job.

Zestful employees result in lower absenteeism, lower turnover and higher group morale, leading to a better bottom line.

Challenge yourself with the following “How to” exercises

1)   RECALL the last time you felt amazing, full of joy and experienced a zest for life. What were you doing? Replicate that activity.

2)   WRITE down what upsets you, drains you of energy and examine why. Develop a plan to do less of those things.

3)   JOY is contagious. It has a force of energy that fills people with optimism. Do something that makes you happy.  Indulge in your hobbies to invite more joy in your life.

4)   DO something that has long-term value for you, not just instant gratification, e.g., reading good literature or engaging in financial planning.

5)   FIND pleasure in everything you do, even routine tasks. Be the very best you can be at that.

6)   DELEGATE things that don’t excite you.

7)   ASK your boss for things to do that are good for the company and that you are good at.  Assist your boss with his or her goals. Show how the work that you’re good at, positively impacts the bottom line.

8)  READ your inspiring goal in the midst of difficulty. When I was working as a volunteer with Afghan refugees, I saw many small children, who had lost their parents, begging in the streets. It was heart-breaking. Later as I entered a rug shop I saw a powerful quote on a small rug pinned on the wall: “Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goals.” 

9)   START your day by thinking of five things you’re grateful for. This gives you a positive start.

10)  EXERCISE regularly.

11)  CREATE an inspiring and uplifting environment at home and work, and live a life of integrity and principle.