What’s the Motivation?

Motivation is important to accomplish goals, establish habits, combat procrastination, and get the Important Stuff Done. Motivation drives the desire to act or initiate change, and finding the motivation to take action can be challenging! Motivation can come from within (intrinsic) or from outside yourself (extrinsic). It can be intangible, like feedback, or tangible, like grades or money. It may be positive like praise, or negative like losing a privilege.

Some examples of extrinsic motivators that are positive are being paid a bonus for a good job (tangible), and receiving recognition, (intangible). Negative extrinsic consequences may be paying a penalty (tangible) or receiving negative feedback (intangible). Positive intrinsic motivation like affirmations can be powerful, but the opposite of this is negative thoughts like self-criticism, which are demotivating and limit progress.

What motivates each individual varies as we are different in our personalities and what we find rewarding. Explore ways to MOTIVATE!

• Myers-Briggs Personality
• Outcomes
• Timing
• Intrinsic or Extrinsic
• Values
• Add rewards and consequences
• Tangible or Intangible
• Energy

Myers-Briggs Personality Types and Motivation

Myers-Briggs is a popular method for determining personality types with eight categories in four dichotomies that can combine in sixteen types. Extroverts who organize with order (Judging) are likely to be motivated by external factors such as power and prestige and tangible rewards like money and awards. Extroverts who organize with flexibility (Perceiving) are likely to seek public recognition, novelty, and chances to collaborate with others and express creativity. Introverts who organize with order (J) are likely to be motivated by internal factors and intangible rewards like opportunities to learn, use skills, and generate ideas. Introverts who organize with flexibility (P) are likely to seek creative exploration and want to improve the world and help people. Mastery likely appeals to all types with high Judging, and all types with high Perceiving may seek autonomy.

Outcomes – gain motivation by observing progress on measures.

Timing – consider how often and how soon rewards are received after behaviors. Self-motivation is easier during our peak time. The science shows that prime time for most of us is for two hours about an hour after waking.

Intrinsic or Extrinsic – Intrinsic (internal) motivators are often intangible. Positive intrinsic motivation is powerful, but can be affected by moods, so extrinsic (external) motivators that come from outside of ourselves can have a place. However, be aware that external incentives can decrease intrinsic motivation. Also beware of negative internal thoughts and beliefs that are demotivating and limit progress.

Dan Pink, author of “Drive: the surprising truth about what motivates us,” talks about Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose. Autonomy is the desire to be self-directed. Mastery is the urge to get better at stuff, to learn and create. Purpose is the desire to make an impact and add value to life with our strengths and talents. These are all positive intrinsic motivators. A value statement that clarifies what we do and why is the power tool for purpose.

Values – meaningful goals have built-in motivation, so follow your values.

Add rewards and consequences – a “carrot” is a reward for good behavior. Everyone has their own ideas about what they find most rewarding, so rate the importance level of various rewards for you. Some rewards are bigger than others, so choose a small reward as incentive to accomplishing small steps toward goals, and a larger one for completion. A “stick” is a negative consequence for poor behavior, and they can influence behavior too. For example, putting a dollar in a swear jar each time you slip up can be an effective way to break a bad habit.

Tangible or intangible – rewards can be tangible like grades or money, or intangible like recognition or positive feedback.

Energy – energy is a limited resource. Tasks and projects that require high motivation are best tackled when energy levels are high. Increase energy with self-care activities like getting enough exercise and rest, drinking lots of water, and eating healthy foods.

All of these factors are important for both self-motivation and at work. There are additional things to consider for work motivation.

Motivation at Work

Identifying your work values can help in finding a compatible career and clarifying motivation. Learn more about your work values at careeronestop.org.

Work Values

• power
• money
• prestige
• independence
• challenge
• mastery
• achievement
• recognition
• security
• self expression
• collaboration
• service to others
• relationships
• creativity
• variety

To STREAM motivation in the workplace:

• Set work goals that are relevant to the mission and goals of the organization. Optimal organizations are clear about them.
• Train to develop skills. Optimal organizations provide opportunies for learning and encourage and support growth.
• Recognize and reward progress. Optimal organizations provide incentives that employees want. A word of praise for a job well done can go a long way.
• Expect the best. Optimal organizations communicate their expectations. Employees also have expectations of an employer.
• Always be aware of the value that your job provides. Optimal organizations provide feedback to employees.
• Measure outcomes and notice results. Optimal organizations provide information about progress. A simple scorecard makes outcomes like a game providing motivation to improve the score.

Additional Reading

• Here’s What Motivates each Myers-Briggs Personality Type at mbtionline.com
• Motivation according to Myers-Briggs Type at wellandgood
• Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose at Brainpickings.org
• Can betting against yourself online help you save money? from pbs.org
• New Years Resolutions Stick When Willpower is Reinforced from The New York Times
• How to Make Commitments You Will Actually Keep by Scott H Young
• How the Overjustification Effect Reduces Motivation from verywellmind.com
• Carrot and Stick Motivation at indeed.com
• Twentysomething: 7 ways to motivate your Millennial at Brazen Careerist
• Motivations and Rewards (pdf)
  

More on Motivation from the Daily PlanIt:

• Alex Vermeer on How to Get Motivated
• Tip the Scales To Master Motivation: Visual Strategies to Overcome Procrastination
• 25 Quotes and Affirmations to Finally Defeat Procrastination
• Rewards
• The Angst Guide to Motivation
• Overcome Procrastination and Get Motivated Pinterest Board

About dailyplanit

I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.