Get-up-and-go

n.energetic, capableplayful

What it means

Energetic initiative that moves a person quickly from intention to action.

Reach for it when praising lively self-starting drive in an informal voice

Her get-up-and-go turned a rough sketch into a weekend workshop.

playful
hustle
fast, effortful action fits an informal competitive setting
not when Hustle can glorify overwork or imply aggressive selling.
everyday
energy
liveliness matters more than independent action
not when Energy alone may be unfocused and produce no start.
professional
drive
sustained determination pushes work forward
not when Drive can become relentless and lacks the phrase's cheerful bounce.
professional
initiative
acting without waiting for instruction is the key merit
not when Initiative can be calm and strategic rather than visibly energetic.
professional
motivation
the internal reason to act needs emphasis
not when Motivation may exist without the initiative to begin.
formal
dynamism
visible force and momentum characterize a person or organization
not when Dynamism can sound abstract and says less about self-starting behavior.
formal
enterprise
resourceful willingness to undertake difficult work is central
not when Enterprise sounds commercial or old-fashioned in casual praise.

plenty of get-up-and-go
The new coordinator has plenty of get-up-and-go without rushing the team.
show get-up-and-go
Candidates show get-up-and-go by solving one useful problem early.
youthful get-up-and-go
His youthful get-up-and-go revived the stalled fundraiser.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.