Looking for some motivation? Get some here.
What motivates you?
There are two basic modes of motivation: pain and pleasure. Which is more motivational for you? In other words: are you motivated by fear or goals? Those who are motivated by fear are motivated more by what they are avoiding than what they are heading toward. Those who are motivate by goals are motivated more by what they are heading toward than by what they are avoiding.
Motivation 101
One model of motivation theory you may have heard of was created by a guy named Abraham Maslow. He came up with a model which we call Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Here is an image that captures his theory.
Pain or pleasure?
You’ll notice right away that if you are more motivated by pain or fear, you’re lower on Maslow’s Hierarchy, more in the realm of “safety.” While this method of motivation can work, it’s more primal — pretty low on the list. For example, if you have this motivational style, you’re more likely to study for the exam because you don’t want to fail than because you actually want to learn the subject matter. You’re avoiding the pain of failure.
Consider this.
On the other hand, if you are motivate by pleasure or goals, you’re motivated at a higher lever, more in the “love/belonging” or “esteem” brackets in Maslow’s Hierarchy. So, from the example above, if you have this motivational style, you’re more likely to study for the exam because you actually want to learn the subject matter. Your heading toward the goal of learning.
Find the balance.
In real life, most of us are somewhat motivated by both pain and pleasure. But think about what motivates you. The more of the mix you can attribute to pleasure, the higher the chances you will be both successful and happy.
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More like this?
I can help you find the motivation you need to move ahead and enjoy your day more.
And you have a couple of options for your next step. You could contact me and describe what you’re going through. And I’ll be in touch with suggestions. Or you can book a free session to make a time to get together and talk it over in person. Either way, I’m here to help you focus, overcome resistance, and get moving again.
Get focused and Get moving.
