Working World

Issue 462

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February 29 - March 21, 2016 12 Working World l WorkingWorld.com FEATURE ARTICLE by Peter Field K nowing what motivates us and then acting on this knowledge is key to accomplishment in life. In this informative article, a leading UK therapist talks about motivation and how to get more of it WHAT PULLS YOU, DRIVES YOU, PUSHES YOU? It might seem like the people around us are very polarized—some people want to make a difference to the environment, while others want to retire at 50—but research shows that humans are actually much more complex and multifaceted than this. It isn't just one thing that motivates and allows us to make that motivation breakthrough, but many things all at once. Researchers have narrowed down the many motivators to a few distinct categories. If you want to get to that motivation place within, then here are a few pointers that will aid in your self help motivation. GOAL SETTING Setting goals can improve motivation and get you moving. But when setting goals make sure they feel achievable, realistic, and that they really do motivate you. Improving your average sale at work may not push your buttons, though it looks good on a resume—so what does push your buttons? Saving up for a holiday to Fiji? Taking art classes at night? These sorts of goals might inspire you to push your average sale up, for example, more than just focusing on improving your work performance. Goals should feel exciting. They are tied in with your dreams you have for your future. If, however, you find that your goal setting is too daunting or feels too difficult, you may have overreached what you feel is capable and achievable. Instead of writing a novel, maybe just start with a short story. Then work your way up to 5 stories. Once you have completed 10 stories, even if it takes a whole year, writing a novel may not freak you out. It will probably feel more achievable by then. UNDERSTANDING YOUR DRIVES According to a study published by the Incentive Research Foundation in 2011, there are four basic drives that determine human motivation: acquiring, comprehending, bonding and defending. Acquiring is about the tangible benefits we can gain e.g. money, skills, training, promotions, respect, etc. Comprehending has to do with doing something we feel is meaningful, such as working with complex ideas, creativity, or participating in a job that makes a difference to the world. Bonding all about friendship, camaraderie, and social connection. Defending takes into account issues around fairness and justice—we are more motivated to work with and for people who treat us (and others) well, than those who treat us (and others) unfairly. While some people may feel they lean more towards one drive than another, the studies show humans actually need a balance of all four areas. Failing in one area can negatively impact how we feel about all other areas. When you achieve a holistic balance of all four drives, you naturally access that motivation place within, make that motivation breakthrough, and become highly motivated. Ways To Increase Motivation It isn't just one thing that motivates and allows us to make that motivation breakthrough, but many things all at once.

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