How to Defeat Apathy
When in your life have you been most thrilled and inspired? What were the circumstances? Figure out ways to recreate the circumstances, and there is a strong likelihood that others will be thrilled and inspired too. Generally, people seem to move from apathy to passionate motivation when they are experiencing some or all of the following: 1. Fresh settings. People tend to get motivated when they are in environments beyond their comfort zones, habits and routines. This is why companies hold their retreats far from their offices, and first-time international tourists report having exceptionally vivid experiences. SGA can overcome apathy by encouraging and creating opportunities for students to experience something completely fresh and new. 2. Challenges proportional to skills. People can become motivated when they are fully absorbed in tackling challenges that are just manageable. A rock climber scaling a difficult peak, a leader stepping forward to lead an organization through a crisis, and a student speaking to a large group for the first time all may experience a sense of balance and harmony that destroys apathy. SGA can defeat apathy by helping students to find and pursue such challenges, especially as leaders and creators. 3. Friendship and community. People are most open to becoming engaged in activities when they feel nurtured and supported by others. Friends help people to lower their guard, trust themselves, experience their own emotions and explore their assumptions and beliefs. SGA can overcome apathy by helping students to build friendships, support networks and opportunities for shared learning. 4. Support for spontaneity. In highly controlled group settings, people typically do not feel emotionally safe, relaxed and free to connect with their inner motivations and passions. They focus instead on meeting others’ expectations about their attitudes and behavior. SGA can conquer apathy by contributing to a campus environment that supports students in exploring, choosing, creating and owning their experiences. 5. Opportunities for creative action. Passionate engagement typically occurs when people take action. The most profoundly motivating experiences seem to take place when the action involves creating something new that reflects the intuitions, emotions and values of the creator. SGA can defeat apathy by working with students to develop and support such creative opportunities.