Motivation is about more than pleasure or pain
Motivation is one of those words we use all the time but rarely understand. If you have ever managed employees, coached a youth team, raised children or even tried convincing your spouse to help clean the garage, you have probably wondered what actually motivates people. I certainly have.
Over the years, I have read countless books and articles on the subject, hoping to figure out how to get the best from myself and those around me. Most theories boil motivation down to two simple ideas: pursuing pleasure or avoiding pain. Those are certainly part of the equation, but author Shawn Lim offers a broader perspective with six common motivators.
The first is money and rewards. An early boss once told me money is not the real motivator; it is what money can buy. Lim argues it goes even deeper. He says people are not really chasing the paycheck or the shiny new truck. They are chasing the feelings those things provide. Understanding that difference can shift the focus from the destination to enjoying the journey.
Second is the desire to be the best. Some people simply refuse to settle for second place. Elite athletes, successful entrepreneurs and top performers often share this trait. They sacrifice weekends, get up before sunrise and put in extra hours because they cannot stand the thought of being outworked. For them, winning is not just a goal. It is fuel.
Third is helping others. Thankfully, many people are motivated by making someone else’s life better. They volunteer, mentor and quietly work behind the scenes without expecting applause. Their reward comes from seeing others succeed.
Fourth is power and influence. That may sound selfish, but it is not necessarily a bad thing. Every organization needs leaders. Some people are naturally driven to guide teams, businesses or communities. When that desire is paired with integrity, everyone benefits.
Fifth is recognition. We all know someone who loves hearing, “Great job.” Others are motivated by proving critics wrong. On a related note, many people become even more motivated to accomplish goals when others tell them they can’t. As kids, my friends and I could usually persuade one buddy to do almost anything by calling him “chicken.” Looking back, it was not our finest leadership strategy, but it was surprisingly effective.
Finally, there is passion. People who are passionate about their work rarely need an alarm clock or a pep talk. They are energized by what they do. Unfortunately, many people never find that spark. A friend recently saw a T-shirt that read, “I don’t want a job. I just want money.” It was amusing yet annoying because it rang true.
The trick is realizing that no single motivator works for everyone. Some people chase purpose while others chase praise, competition or influence. The real challenge is discovering what gets each person — including ourselves — moving. Once we figure that out, motivation becomes less about pushing people and more about giving them a reason to push themselves.
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Times Vedette digital newsletter
shane@gctimesnews.com
641-332-2707
