Monday Motivation: 1 August
Got the Monday blues? Reclaim the day and set the tone for the entire week with these helpful, motivational tidbits:
“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” – Christopher Reeve
Grab your capes, masks and boots, folks, because this week’s edition of “Monday Motivation” is taking inspiration from the world of superheroes!
Actor and equestrian Christopher Reeve is famous for his iconic portrayal of Superman in the eponymous 1978 film, as well as three of its sequels. In 1995, he was paralysed from the neck down after being thrown from a horse; he lived his life as a quadriplegic until his death in 2004.
But Reeve did not let this deter him: he spent the rest of his days improving the quality of life for those living with disabilities, raising public awareness around spinal cord injuries and paralysis, and raising millions of dollars for organisations and medical research foundations. In a way, he was a real-life Superman.
And it’s from him that we can learn that real-life superheroes don’t need powers to do good in the world. Rather, it’s ordinary people – especially those who are able to overcome the seemingly immeasurable odds in their lives – who are motivated and have enough goodness in their hearts to make a difference in the world.
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me” – Batman, “Batman Begins”
This gem is taken from the 2005 film, “Batman Begins”, and one interpretation to take from it is that sometimes, your actions speak for themselves. And it is from these actions that people are (more often than not) defined.
There is no harm in doing good deeds for others, showing kindness, and keeping an upbeat attitude when times are tough. No one should hold your appearance, circumstances or beliefs against you if you are doing these things out of the goodness of your heart.
Even if you do not receive acknowledgement for your generosity, at least you know the world looks less dark and is brighter than before.
“All we can do is our best, and sometimes the best we can do is start over” – Peggy Carter, “Captain America: The First Avenger”
Even on the path to success, mistakes are difficult to avoid. Once they’re made, it’s easy to change course or just give up altogether.
But, as the character Peggy Carter said best in the 2011 “Captain America” film, all we can do is our best – if the outcome isn’t what we visualised, then we simply ought to try again.
It’s easier said than done, but making mistakes and taking them in your stride is all part of the journey. Going back to square one allows you to re-look at your first course of action, break down and learn from your mistakes, and find a solution (or solutions) that will enable your next course of action to go more smoothly.
That, folks, is the mark of a true hero: no matter how many knocks you get, you are strong enough to get up and continue onwards.
