“People don’t change their behavior unless it makes a difference for them to do so.” -
Fran TarkentonMotivation is the driving force behind most of our actions. It is a reason why we get up in the morning. Why we drive to work five days a week even if we do not enjoy it. Why we set goals and why we keep on moving forward.
Motivation is that one factor that often makes a difference between long-awaited success and an untimely failure. Our productivity, determination, leadership qualities, achievements, enthusiasm and self-esteem largely depends on our ability to motivate ourselves and others.
Understanding your motivation.
To put it simply, we take any kind of conscious action for two reasons: 1) because we feel like doing it or 2) because we have to do it. The first type of motivation is called intrinsic, the second – extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is internal and deeply personal. We do something, for no other reason than the inner sense of enjoyment and fulfillment. In other words, we act because we truly want to!
Intrinsic motivation is stimulated by curiosity, challenge, adventure, personal interests, duty and desire.
Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is rooted outside the person and based on two basic external drives: seek pleasure (reward) and avoid pain (punishment). Extrinsic motivation is stimulated by incentives, fear, outside circumstances (peer pressure, competition), deadlines and social approval.
Whenever you start doing any task, take a moment to reflect what your primary motivators are.
Discovering your intrinsic motivators:
• Are you looking forward to doing this task? Is it related to your hobbies or interests in some way?
• Do you find it challenging, but interesting?
• Are you motivated by an inner sense of duty or your core values? Do you feel that you must do your best, because it would not feel right to do a so-so job?
• Do you feel that the accomplishment of the task will bring you inner satisfaction and fulfillment?
Discovering your extrinsic motivators:
• Are there any financial benefits involved in doing this task?
• Is there any type of fear that holds you back and makes you procrastinate (fear of failure, fear of social disapproval)?
• Do you feel that you would work bester if you had a clear deadline?
• Are you looking forward to some kind of acknowledgement or appraisal for your work?
Combining both types of motivation in an optimum way.
Both types of motivation are not mutually exclusive. In order to achieve maximum results with minimal efforts, there are must be a balance between your levels of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation.
I don’t know about you, but the beginning of the week is sometimes hard for me. After a worry-free and entertainment-filled weekend, it can be challenging to get back in the right mood to work.
