Are you considering participating in this year’s XL Catlin End-To-End?

Here’s something that might get you going: human needs psychology.

The theory behind Chloe Madanes’ work suggests that in all our choices and decisions we are looking to meet one or more of our basic human needs. She considers certainty, variety, love/connection and significance as fundamental; growth and contribution are described as the cornerstone for feeling fulfilled.

According to Dr Madanes, if we cannot find positive, healthy ways to meet these needs, we’ll look to negative, potentially destructive ways to do the same.

It’s similar to a child who displays “naughty” behaviour to get attention/significance and love when so-called “good” behaviour is too difficult or is not being recognised and rewarded as such.

This year’s End-to-End takes place May 6. My family is doing the Middle-to-End bit (it’s my son’s first time participating) and, as I began preparing, I noticed what a great “need-meeter” this event truly is.

• Certainty

The End-to-End has been running for 30 years! It is an institution. We know it — whether we’ve been involved, watched it from the sidelines or just been stuck in traffic because of it — and it’s a solid bet, with our joint efforts, that it is something that we can count on for the next 30.

• Variety

Not sure about you, but a 14-mile walk isn’t my usual Saturday routine. There are so many ways to participate: walking, biking, swimming, fundraising, volunteering! Options so that any and all can take part, from a fun stroll to elite racers.

• Love and connection

Just driving by, you can ‘feel the love’ generated during this event — from participants, volunteers and spectators. Everyone is in it together, supporting each other, supporting the charities. It touches my heart to witness barriers brought down and connections with strangers being made through a joint cause and experience. Do it alone and make new friends or get a group together and connect as a team.

• Significance

Taking part earns undeniable ‘bragging rights’, however you choose to participate. You can feel justifiably proud, for supporting others, for doing it. It’s a Facebook post you’ll earn plenty of kudos for!

And, why is the End-to-End such a fulfilling day for those who take part?

• Growth

It takes effort, and likely some training to be able to participate. There is nothing like a healthy challenge to expand our comfort zones and encourage us to grow.

• Contribution

With over $5 million raised over 30 years in support of charities benefiting our local community, it leaves little to say about the contribution this event makes. Your registration and fundraising all add to that. Include the contribution you make on the day — cheering others on, building bridges, offering support or a laugh — which feel equally rewarding. This is what builds community and we can all contribute in that.

Watch out, though, Dr Madanes says that any one thing that meets three or more of our needs can become addictive. Meeting all six like this, you’d better save the date for next year too!

Registration starts Monday — www.bermudaendtoend.bm/content/how-sign. Put it in your calendars, and start getting ready. See you out there!

Julia Pitt is a trained success coach and certified NLP practitioner on the team at Benedict Associates. For further information contact Julia on 705-7488, www.juliapittcoach ing.com.