We all want to work around people who are enthusiastic. Like all attitudes - even negative ones - enthusiasm is contagious. Enthusiasm 's ability to lift up others makes it a soft skill valued by employers. So how do you maintain real enthusiasm when stress and job strain rule? Don't see enthusiasm as a temporary state of mind or dependent on others. Instead, recognize enthusiasm as part of your personality and a resource that helps you cope with stress and positively influence your environment. To stay enthusiastic, develop your passion by pursuing your dreams and ideas. Doing so will build resilience and help you take action early to intervene with factors and influences that could undermine it.