At the heart of why.
Why does anyone do what they do? What motivates us? What ignites the drive to strive to be better than we already are? To put in the precious time, honest effort, the mental/emotional struggle, the humbling work? It would be nice to think it comes from “doing what’s best”. When I look around however, if I’m really honest about what I see, that’s not the case. We may be able to start, riding that initial spark of excitement to do so, but before long, we stutter, stall or stop all together. For most of us, a more… “selfish” motivating force that fuels and sustains our efforts is needed. We need a deeper, personal reason to do it.
“Because I should” may be a good reason, but lets face it, it doesn’t connect with us strong enough emotionally. It doesn’t inspire the sustainable action required for a truly evolutionary transformation within each of us. Accepting right off the bat that we need a much more personal motivator that means something to us, enhances our chances of finding a solid one we can keep a hold of and thus result in greater success. Now the search for what lays at the heart of why can begin.
So what motivates me?
The unity of mankind. I’m not talking about some blissful, monochromatic utopia. I mean the unity of mankind, with all it’s enriching diversity. Yeah, yeah, sounds altruistic, but it’s true. This lies at the heart of what motivates my personal development and ongoing evolution. It lies at the heart of my service towards my fellow man. This is what keeps me going.
But isn’t this kind of… broad, generalized and just plain HUGE Shane!?
Yes it is. Just as many of us truly do believe in the grander motivations that inspire us. But because they are so big, it can be difficult to feel a tangible, actionable connection to them on a daily basis. So how do we bridge this seemingly impassible gap that continues to open up before us?
I was reminded last week of a very deep and personal association that directly ties this bigger picture to what resides at the heart of why I do what I do.
It was while I was holding my youngest son, Will. His nose was running, he was coughing and had a fever. In fact, my eldest son and wife were sick as well. I was manning the ship. In putting alot of the work aside, to take the time to be there and care for them, it struck me what an honour and a blessing it was to do so. To give this seemingly simple and personal care to those who give me so much. Who express the definition of love. This is why I do what I do. My family lies at the heart of why. My love for them and their well-being is my motivation.
The connection is there.
The unity of mankind must first see the unity of nations. The unity of nations must first see the unity of states and provinces. The unity of states and provinces must first see the unity of cities. The unity of cities must first see the unity of communities. The unity of communities must first see the unity of families. The unity of my family. And the only way I can make my best contribution to it, is to continually be the best I can be.
When we connect to the heart of why, it is far easier to start taking the steps of tangible action. Action that will see us move towards the big shifts; the major impact we may resonate with, but don’t know how to be a part of.
What’s your motivation? Is it working for you? Dig a little deeper. It’s there. It’s right in front of you. It’s real. As real as the blood in your veins. It’s at the heart of “why”.
Dare To Evolve,
Shane.
