Motivation: What Drives You?

Motivation is a funny thing. It's so hard to find it, and so easy to lose. I have a hell of a time just writing this blog, so when I do grab a hold of some, I gotta work fast!

It's really easy to lose the passion you have for your career, and forget why it is you do what you do. If you've been at it for a while, it can be easy to fall into that rut and just punch the clock every day because it's all you know. Easier than shaking up the routine. And that's not to say that you don't love it now, but sometimes, you can lose focus and forget what drives you, and you need a kick in the butt.

I've been feeling it too, lately.

For me, personally, I get off on helping people. Specifically, I take immense pleasure in helping a musician who is insanely talented finally get a break and hear their song on the radio for the first time. I know people all across Canada who are ridiculously talented musical artists that can't catch a break, either because they don't have the insane amount of money that it takes to make a name for yourself, or they just haven't made the right connections yet. At any rate, I have a great opportunity at CKFM to work with some of those people and help them realize their dream. However, like most of you, it's really easy for me to get into a rut and forget about all that. I can get caught up in the day to day office routine and forget what drives me to do my best every day. And, just like you, I need a swift kick in the hind end to get me going again.

I've been in Olds now for about 4.5 years, and in that time, I've had a chance to meet some amazing people who, without fail, will kick my butt into gear, just by having a short (...and sometimes, not so short...) conversation about life, love and the pursuit of a #1 smash hit song on the radio. When I was first establishing myself in the Alberta Country Music scene, the first people I got to know well were Airdrie singer/songwriter Mark Lorenz (www.MarkLorenz.ca) and his manager Angie Morris. They're both veterans of the music business and took me under their wings to guide me along. Through them, I've met everyone else. Edmonton's Craig Moritz (www.CraigMoritzMusic.com), Jo Hikk's (www.JoHikk.com) Kelly Sitter, all of our CKFM Star Search winners. Two of the wisest people you'll ever have a conversation with, are songwriters Troy Kokol and Joni Delaurier, who wrote Pick Up Truck for Shane Yellowbird among many other incredible songs. Seriously, if you're at a show, and you get a chance to sit and talk with any of these people, don't move. It'll change your outlook on life.

Today, I had the opportunity to do a phone interview with the current Association of Country Music in Alberta (ACMA) Male Artist of the Year, Shane Chisholm. Shane's a good dude from Claresholm, who was born and raised in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, but has been in Alberta the past 15 years. My conversation with Shane, which is at least the 6^thformal "interview” we've done for CKFM in the past 4 years, gave me the kick in the butt that I was desperately looking for. Hearing him talk about how important it is for him to have his songs on the radio, be considered an artist, and recognized by his peers as best solo male artist in Alberta Country Music, reminded me why I do what I do.

I mention all this, because that's what drives me. I love working with them and helping them realize their dreams. Sometimes I forget that, and sorta lose my idealism.. I encourage everyone to try and do something on a regular basis...anything....to maintain your idealism. There's going to be days where you don't wanna get out of bed, and you question why it is that you do what you do every day, but there's also a way to remember the reason why and get that drive back. You just gotta figure out what it is.

I love helping people – what motivates you?