Things That Motivate Me: Finding Purpose And Driving Forces

Ever felt like you're slogging through your workday, counting down the minutes? It's often because what you're doing doesn't align with the things that motivate me. Understanding your personal motivators is the first step to unlocking greater job satisfaction and overall life fulfillment.
At a glance:

• Discover the six core factors that commonly fuel motivation.
• Learn how to pinpoint your dominant motivator and create an environment that fosters it.
• Craft a personal 3x3x3 goal plan to align your life with your motivations.
• Ace the "What motivates you?" interview question with authenticity and impact.
• Uncover the power of intrinsic motivation versus extrinsic rewards.

The Six Pillars of Motivation: What Really Drives Us

Motivation isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. What sparks joy and drives one person can leave another cold. Let's break down six common motivational factors:

1. Feelings and Experiences: It's rarely about the money itself, but the feelings associated with what that money can buy—freedom, security, adventure. Focus on the journey and the progress, not just the end result. Think of a hiker enjoying the scenery along the trail, rather than only fixating on the summit.
2. The Pursuit of Excellence: Some are driven by the desire to be the best, to constantly improve and push their limits. This often involves sacrifice and unwavering dedication. Consider elite athletes relentlessly training to shave milliseconds off their personal best.
3. Helping Others: This is a powerful motivator for those who want to make a tangible difference in the world. It's about contributing to something bigger than oneself. Philanthropists like Bill Gates demonstrate this by dedicating their resources to global health initiatives.
4. Power and Influence: The desire to lead, to shape the direction of an organization, or to impact a field on a large scale is strong for some. This isn’t necessarily about ego; it’s about a desire to contribute strategically. A CEO leading a company through a turnaround is a prime example.
5. Recognition and Validation: This involves a deep desire to prove oneself, to be acknowledged for achievements and contributions. It's about making a mark. Lee Iacocca’s revival of Chrysler after being ousted from Ford exemplifies this drive.
6. Passion and Enthusiasm: When you're truly passionate about something, you're willing to invest your time and energy without expecting immediate rewards. Think of a dedicated artist who spends countless hours perfecting their craft.

Identifying Your Dominant Motivator: A Self-Discovery Journey

So, which of these resonates most with you? It's likely a combination, but identifying your primary motivator is key:

• Reflect on Past Achievements: What accomplishments have given you the greatest sense of satisfaction? Was it the feeling of helping someone, the recognition you received, or the challenge you overcame?
• Consider Your Values: What principles are most important to you? Do you value creativity, security, impact, or something else? Your values often point to your underlying motivators.
• Pay Attention to Your Emotions: What activities make you feel energized and excited? What tasks do you dread? Your emotional responses can provide valuable clues.
• Take a Motivation Assessment: Several online quizzes and assessments can help you identify your motivational drivers. Search for "motivation assessment quiz" to find suitable options.
  Example: Imagine you consistently volunteer your time to mentor young people. This suggests that "helping others" is a strong motivator for you.
  Once you've identified your dominant motivator, create an environment that supports it. If you're motivated by "recognition," seek out opportunities to showcase your skills and accomplishments. If "passion" is your driving force, prioritize projects that genuinely excite you.

Leveraging Motivation: A Practical Playbook

Knowing what motivates you is only half the battle. Here's how to actively use that knowledge to achieve your goals:

1. Set Clear Intentions: Write down your reasons for pursuing a particular goal, connecting it to your core motivators. Review these intentions daily to stay focused and energized.
2. Create an Inspiring Environment: Surround yourself with reminders of your goals and the reasons why they matter to you. This could be anything from inspirational quotes to images of your desired outcomes.
3. Break Down Large Goals: Overwhelming goals can be demotivating. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone to maintain momentum.
4. Find an Accountability Partner: Share your goals with someone who can provide support and encouragement. Regular check-ins can help you stay on track.
5. Embrace Challenges as Opportunities: View setbacks and obstacles as chances to learn and grow. This positive mindset will help you persevere through difficult times.

The Power of Intrinsic Motivation

While extrinsic rewards (like money) can be effective in the short term, intrinsic motivation, driven by internal satisfaction, is far more sustainable. Focus on activities that you find inherently enjoyable and rewarding.
Here's a simple table illustrating the key differences:

• Seek Autonomy: Take ownership of your work and make decisions that align with your values.
• Pursue Mastery: Focus on developing your skills and expertise in areas that interest you.
• Connect to Purpose: Understand how your work contributes to a larger mission or goal that you care about.

The 3x3x3 Goal Plan: Aligning Life and Motivation

Create a 3x3x3 goal plan to ensure you're living in alignment with your core motivations. This involves setting three goals in each of three life domains, for three different timeframes:
Life Domains:

• Spiritual: Goals related to personal growth, mindfulness, or connection to something larger than yourself.
• Life: Goals related to relationships, health, hobbies, or personal experiences.
• Work: Goals related to career advancement, skill development, or contribution to your field.
  Timeframes:
• 1 Year
• 3 Years
• 5 Years
  Example:
  | Domain | Timeframe | Goal | First Action Step |
  | --------- | --------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
  | Spiritual | 1 Year | Establish a daily mindfulness practice. | Download a meditation app and set a 5-minute daily reminder. |
  | Life | 3 Years | Travel to a new country. | Research potential destinations and create a savings plan. |
  | Work | 5 Years | Become a recognized expert in my field. | Present at an industry conference. |
  Regularly review and update your 3x3x3 plan to ensure it remains aligned with your evolving motivations and priorities.

Answering "What Motivates You?" in Job Interviews

This is a golden opportunity to showcase your self-awareness and demonstrate how your values align with the company's mission. Here's how to nail it:

• Focus on Intrinsic Motivators: Highlight factors like learning and professional growth, making a difference, innovation, challenges, achieving goals, positive impact, meaningful relationships, or continuous learning.
• Tailor Your Answer: Research the company's values and culture and customize your response accordingly.
• Provide Specific Examples: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate how your motivations have driven you to success in the past.
• Be Authentic: Speak from the heart and let your passion shine through.
• Be Concise: Keep your answer brief and to the point, focusing on the most relevant information.
  Example: "I'm highly motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions. In my previous role at [Company Name], I was tasked with [Situation]. I took the initiative to [Action], which resulted in [Result]. I'm excited about the prospect of applying my problem-solving skills to contribute to [Company Name]'s success in [Specific Area]."
  Understanding what makes you tick is powerful, but connecting that understanding to action is what truly counts. Now, let’s tackle some common questions. For a broader perspective on finding work that excites you, Find your work motivation.

Quick Answers: Common Questions About Motivation

Q: Is it bad to be motivated by money?
A: Not necessarily. Money itself isn't inherently bad, but it's often a superficial motivator. Dig deeper to understand what the money represents to you—security, freedom, opportunities—and focus on those underlying needs.
Q: What if I don't know what motivates me?
A: That's okay! It's a journey of self-discovery. Experiment with different activities, pay attention to your emotions, and seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors.
Q: How can I stay motivated when things get tough?
A: Reconnect with your "why"—the reasons behind your goals. Break down large tasks into smaller steps, celebrate your progress, and seek support from others.
Q: Can my motivations change over time?
A: Absolutely. As you grow and evolve, your values, priorities, and experiences may shift, leading to changes in your motivations. Regularly reflect on your drivers and adjust your goals accordingly.
Q: How important is aligning my work with my personal motivations?
A: Extremely important! When your work aligns with your values and interests, you're more likely to be engaged, productive, and fulfilled.

Take Action: Fueling Your Drive

Ready to put your knowledge into practice? Use this quick decision tree to start aligning your actions with your motivations now:

1. Start with Self-Reflection: Spend 30 minutes journaling about your past achievements, values, and passions.
2. Identify Your Dominant Motivator: Choose the one or two motivational factors that resonate most strongly with you from the six pillars discussed earlier.
3. Create a 3x3x3 Goal Plan: Set three goals for each life domain (spiritual, life, work) for the next 1, 3, and 5 years.
4. Take One Small Step Today: Choose one actionable step from your goal plan and complete it today.
   By taking these steps, you'll be well on your way to unlocking your full potential and living a more purposeful and fulfilling life.