What Moves You?

Remarkable things are done every day, in great ways and small, by people all over the world and particularly in our very own communities.

Each one of us is capable of amazing feats of strength, will, selflessness, and compassion. Each day brims with potential, and there is only one small setback on the path to reaching that potential every day. It just takes one thing to move from an idea to an actuality.

One spark, one push, one baby step is all we need.

Psychologists, advertisers, coaches, trainers, advocates and leaders are all concerned with the elusive concept of motivation. What inspires people to do the things they do? How do everyday people motivate themselves? How can we encourage others to get active?

The history of inspiration is rooted in creativity. The great epic poets invoke the muses at the beginnings of their great works, and give these goddesses credit for their inspiration. Many works of art, pieces of poetry and literature attribute their inspiration to this one source. And often it is through the written word, or paint on a canvas that an artist is able to move their audience in turn. Words can be used to encourage, and images can bring out emotions and passions that challenge people to dream of better things. And from dreaming, it is only a short step to doing, to accomplishing. That step is motivation.

If only getting motivated had a simple formula, some magical activation key, like eating the right breakfast. With oatmeal and fresh fruit I’m usually off to a good start. And a spunky soundtrack can effectively keep me rolling. For some reason, ‘80s pop music always helps with a bad case of lethargy. But energy and motion aren’t the same thing. I could list a million and one ways to inject a little energy into daily life, but inspiring action, movement, passion, is a question that breakfast or even Bananarama can’t answer.

Every day I see wonders that move me. I hear stories that I am compelled to write. I see evidence of human potential all around that inspires me to get involved in my community. What I see moves me to live a life of compassion. I feel my own potential, and it moves me.

Real motivation doesn’t need a poster, a famous quote, or a fiery speech, though they certainly help. In a fit of creativity I fashioned my own motivational posters using snapshots and my personal favorite bits of wisdom. In the end, little things can motivate as well as Vince Lombardi’s best words of inspiration. Reminders like my running shoes by the front door, or a blank page of looseleaf that hangs tantalizingly from my bulletin board, photos of my family by the phone, an open book, a smiling face, a sunny day. All of these can inspire motion.

But mostly what motivates is hope. The belief that through effort we can be better, we can live better, and the world can move forward along with us. It is hope of achievement that moves Canadian athletes to train so hard, sacrifice so much for a chance to be the best. It is hope of a better future that moves us to invest in our young people. And it is the sheer beauty of the human experience that moves us to live each day as active participants in this world community.

Hope moves me. What moves you?

Posted by Mychal Martin