What's my motivation, here?

An actor has a role to play. He studies his lines and knows what he has to say. He rehearses his movements and dialogue with the other actors. He practises his action sequences. He discovers what motivates his character. Each character is different. Each one responds to certain things in different ways. Only by knowing how a character feels and thinks, can an actor make an accurate portrayal, and really deliver a performance to remember. Knowing a character's motivation means being able to play the role.

Okay, so what motivates you?

Are you a team player, perhaps? You might be someone who works well with other like-minded people. You strive to accomplish things together. You work hard, not only on your own goals, but on assisting your comrades in achieving theirs. Perhaps, instead, you're a competitive player? You prefer to match yourself against others and outperform them. You are motivated by the need to be better than your peers. Could you be a little of both? You can work in a team, but thrive on emerging victorious against a common adversary.

If the sports analogy doesn't work for you, perhaps friendship is your prime motivator. You desire to help someone find satisfaction in what they've set out to accomplish. It's not the goal that's important so much as who you're accomplishing it with. You're a loyal companion.

Loyalty might be given to friends. It might also be given to your team. Perhaps, though, you're loyal to a cause. You have a belief that things could be better if you act a certain way, or do certain things. You want to get people to share this perspective. You want to make a difference. You won't be content until you've made a significant contribution.

I know a few people who are motivated by their work ethic. They know that if they don't do their job properly, someone else is left with fixing things. They make sure they're always mindful of what jobs need to be done, and they don't have to be asked to start them. They hope that those they work with will show them the same courtesy. I know others who are motivated to get things done quickly for their own sake. The sooner the job is done, the sooner they can relax and have a few beers. You might be goal-oriented that way.

Another thing that might get you moving is social activity. Tasks are easier when there's lots of people around. Things go more smoothly for you when there are friends sharing in your day. Pleasant conversation, managing games or sports, and special community events don't seem like work to you – even these are things you are required to do, rather than things you've chosen to do yourself.

You might be concerned for someone's welfare. They're lost, or ill, or troubled, and you want to help them. You, yourself, might be personally afflicted. Circumstances might be driving you to act.

There are many things that might prompt us to take action. Each of us is our own, unique, character. In certain respects, though, each of us is also an actor. There comes a time when we each have our roles to play. Knowing a little about ourselves can make playing these roles easier. Realizing what's going to make you act will help you get the job done right.

I want to encourage everyone to take a role in Returns for Leukemia. This is a cause that's important to The Beer Store, to United Food Commercial Workers, to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and to many, many individuals on the world stage. People are needed who can act out these roles, and take a part, and do what they can do to make the fundraiser play out successfully. Whether you help to support your union, your company, the cause, your friends and coworkers, your manager, your team captain – whether you do it for yourself, for a loved one, or simply for the camaraderie, the thrill of the event, or the feeling of a job well done...

.... can't you find a motivation?