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Finding Motivation
- Cristina Mittermeier
- Feb 28
- 3 min read
Motivation, the force that keeps us moving forward even when the road is difficult, can sometimes be so hard to muster. While it can originate from various sources and appear at any time, the real challenge lies in finding something that sustains our motivation over the long term.
For me, that motivation stems from my family—particularly my children, as well as all the children worldwide who don’t have someone to speak for them or advocate for a better future.
Among the many reasons I became a photographer was the desire to help create a healthier planet for the next generation, and the potential and curiosity of young people continues to inspire me daily, reminding me of my purpose. This fuels my passion to create, advocate, and work towards a world that is more just, beautiful, and sustainable.
As a photographer, I also find inspiration and motivation in the natural world. Photography is my passport to the outdoors and to the secret worlds of other creatures. It is a way to capture fleeting moments that I get to share with others. The beauty of our world is an undeniable source of motivation, urging us to protect it before it slips away.
Love, to me, is perhaps the most powerful motivator —not just romantic love, but love for our families, our communities, and the planet we call home. When we love something deeply, we fight for it, nurture it, and ensure it thrives. Anything we are passionate about is, at its heart, an act of love—a commitment to what drives us and, in turn, deepens that passion.
And what about outrage or anger? These, too, are powerful motivators. At the intersection of human rights and conservation, we find a deeply interconnected struggle. Many of the communities most affected by environmental degradation are also the most motivated to fight for their fundamental rights—Indigenous peoples defending their ancestral lands, marginalized communities facing the worst impacts of climate change.
But they cannot do it alone. They need allies and activists willing to risk their lives to stand up for injustice.
Protecting the environment is not just about saving species or landscapes; it is about ensuring that people can live with dignity, health, and security.
True conservation must be inclusive, recognizing that protecting nature goes hand in hand with defending the rights of those who depend on it.
The power of justice and the pursuit of what is right is another driving force behind what I and many others do.
Perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity is a source of motivation—proof that change is possible when people refuse to remain silent.
For those working toward environmental justice, this same determination is necessary. Whether it’s protecting the high seas, fighting for Indigenous land rights, or advocating for the conservation of endangered species, justice and sustainability go hand in hand.
If you’re searching for inspiration, look around you. Practice mindfulness and remember that gratitude is the most noble source of motivation. Let that spark fuel your passion, your work, and your purpose. And if you ever feel lost, remember: hope is its own kind of motivation, and as long as we have it, the future remains bright.
