Don’t Just Go Through the Motions

“I don’t want to go through the motions.”  That’s a line from the chorus of a popular contemporary Christian song by Matthew West.  But it can also serve as another type of inspiration too.

Three nights ago I saw someone out playing somewhere, sitting, playing his guitar, and singing.  He didn’t look like he wanted to be there.  He was just ‘going through the motions.’

Wouldn’t you rather be remembered for a performance that people just can’t forget?  Don’t you want to leave people thinking, “Wow, now that was entertaining”?  Maybe, like Matthew West’s song, you could inspire people.  Perhaps people might see your performance and say, “I want to be just like him/her.”

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  Personally, I must say that it bothers me that not long after WWE tag team champions Sheamus and Cesaro started using the line, “We don’t set the bar, we are the bar,” Ford started conveniently using a derivation of that in their TV ads for the F-150 truck.  There’s another one out there too, I believe it might be Scott’s Turf Builder, who copies WWE superstar Roman Reigns and his, “This is my yard” tagline.  (If you’re reading this and smirking because I’m using pro wrestling analogies, know that this is a corporation with, basically, a license to print money.  They sell out every arena, in every city, every night, and have done so for years now.  That’s why companies like Ford and Scott’s are watching them and, ahem, borrowing from them.)

When you’ve got something that others want, those are the lengths that they’ll go to.

Now mind you, I’m not saying that to be memorable you have to be extreme.  Ozzy Osbourne allegedly biting the head off a bat is too extreme.  Miley Cyrus swinging naked on a wrecking ball?  Probably a little extreme.  But, you can strive to be the one that others want to emulate.

In my opinion, just putting on a dynamic show is enough to leave people walking away wishing they’d rolled some video of you and/or wondering when they can come see you perform next.  Sure, you probably aren’t in a position to put on an elaborate stage show with dancers and lights and do wardrobe changes at a performing arts center, never mind a packed arena, but, you can definitely show people that you do want to be there.  The lyrics, your vocals, excelling at the instrument you play, and yes, your body language and eye contact and the way you present yourself on-stage will all go a long way toward being memorable – without having to maim an animal.

Those that see you and could potentially be inspired to say they want to be you could already be budding performers themselves.  So remember, be grateful for the opportunity you have there because there’s always someone else who’d love to take your spot.  Don’t just go through the motions.

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