What Motivates You: Finding Work That Sparks Your Drive?

Ever wonder why some days at work feel like a breeze, while others drag on forever? Chances are, it all boils down to [what motivates you]. Understanding your personal motivators is key to finding not just a job, but a fulfilling career.
At a glance:

Identifying your core motivators is crucial for career satisfaction.
Motivation can be intrinsic (internal satisfaction) or extrinsic (external rewards).
Aligning your motivators with your job responsibilities and company values leads to better engagement.
When answering interview questions about motivation, be honest, specific, and relevant.
Focus on long-term goals and how you can contribute to the company's success.

Why Understanding Your Motivations Matters

Think of your motivation as an internal compass, guiding you toward work that resonates with your values and passions. When your job taps into these motivators, you're not just working for a paycheck; you're engaged, productive, and, ultimately, happier. Conversely, a mismatch between your motivators and your work can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, and a sense of being stuck. It's about more than just [things that motivate people]; it's about your specific drivers.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: What's Your Fuel?

Motivation isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. Psychologists often distinguish between two main types:

Intrinsic Motivation: This comes from within. You're driven by internal rewards like a sense of accomplishment, learning new things, or the sheer enjoyment of the work itself. For example, a software developer might be intrinsically motivated by the challenge of solving complex coding problems.
Extrinsic Motivation: This stems from external rewards, such as money, recognition, promotions, or status. A salesperson might be extrinsically motivated by earning bonuses for exceeding sales targets.
While both types of motivation can be effective, research suggests that intrinsic motivation is more strongly linked to long-term job satisfaction and performance. Consider [what energizes you at work]—is it the task itself, or the potential rewards that come with it?

Identifying Your Key Motivators: A Self-Discovery Journey

So, how do you figure out what really motivates you? Here's a step-by-step approach:

Reflect on Past Experiences: Think back to times when you felt truly engaged and energized at work (or even in hobbies or volunteer activities). What were you doing? What aspects of the task did you enjoy? What made you feel proud? Journaling can be a helpful tool for this reflection.
Identify Patterns: Look for recurring themes in your experiences. Did you consistently enjoy solving problems, working with people, leading teams, or creating something new? Perhaps [i am most encouraged by examples] of successful projects and teams where you've thrived.
Consider Your Values: What's important to you in life? Do you value creativity, helping others, making a difference, achieving excellence, or financial security? Your values often align with your core motivators.
Take a Motivation Assessment: Several online assessments can help you identify your key motivators. These assessments typically ask you to rank different values, work activities, or personality traits. Keep in mind that these assessments are just tools to guide you, not definitive answers.
Talk to Others: Ask trusted friends, family members, or colleagues what they see as your strengths and passions. Sometimes, others can offer insights into your motivations that you haven't recognized yourself.

Common Motivators: Finding Yourself in the List

To get you started, here's a [list of things that motivate you] that many people find fulfilling:

Achievement: The desire to excel, overcome challenges, and achieve goals.
Recognition: The need to be acknowledged and appreciated for your contributions.
Growth: The opportunity to learn new skills, develop your talents, and advance in your career.
Impact: The desire to make a positive difference in the world or in the lives of others.
Creativity: The need to express yourself, innovate, and generate new ideas.
Autonomy: The desire to work independently and have control over your work.
Security: The need for stability, predictability, and financial security.
Social Connection: The opportunity to work with others, build relationships, and be part of a team.
Challenge: The enjoyment of tackling difficult problems and pushing yourself to new limits.
Learning: The constant pursuit of knowledge and new skills.

Aligning Your Motivations with Your Career

Once you've identified your key motivators, the next step is to find a career that aligns with them. This doesn't necessarily mean quitting your current job and starting over. It might involve making small changes to your existing role or seeking out new opportunities within your company.

Research Different Careers: Explore different career paths that might align with your motivators. Use online resources like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed to learn about different roles, responsibilities, and company cultures. This research might reveal [what drives your professional life] in ways you hadn't considered.
Analyze Job Descriptions: When you're looking at job postings, pay close attention to the required skills, responsibilities, and company values. Do they align with your motivators? Are you excited about the prospect of doing the work described?
Talk to People in the Field: Reach out to people who work in the careers you're interested in and ask them about their experiences. What do they enjoy about their work? What are the challenges? This can give you valuable insights into whether a particular career is a good fit for you.
Consider Company Culture: Company culture is just as important as the job itself. Look for companies that value the things you value and that create a work environment where you can thrive.

What Motivates You? Answering the Interview Question

The dreaded interview question! "So, tell me, [what motivates you]?" Here's how to nail it:

Preparation is Key: Don't wait until the interview to think about your motivators. Reflect on your past experiences and identify the factors that drive you.
Be Honest and Authentic: The interviewer is trying to get to know you, so be genuine in your response. Don't try to give them the answer you think they want to hear.
Be Specific: Avoid generic answers like "I'm motivated by success." Instead, provide concrete examples of what motivates you and how it has impacted your work.
Connect to the Role: Explain how your motivators align with the responsibilities of the job and the goals of the company. Show the interviewer that you're not just motivated, but that you're also a good fit for the team.
Use the PSRC Formula: This formula is a handy way to structure your answer:

Main Motivator: State your primary motivator clearly (e.g., "I'm motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems.").
Supporting Context: Provide some personal background on why this motivates you. (e.g., "Ever since I was a child, I've enjoyed puzzles and figuring out how things work.")
Relevant Example: Share a specific story that demonstrates this motivation in action. (e.g., "In my previous role, I was tasked with troubleshooting a critical system error. I spent hours researching and testing different solutions until I finally found the root cause and implemented a fix.").
Connect to the Role/Company: Explain how your motivator aligns with the opportunity. (e.g., "I'm excited about the opportunity to use my problem-solving skills to contribute to your team's mission of developing innovative software solutions.").
Example Answers:
Motivated by Learning: "I'm motivated by the opportunity to continuously learn and grow. I thrive in environments where I'm challenged to acquire new skills and knowledge. In my previous role, I actively sought out opportunities to attend training courses and workshops, which allowed me to become proficient in new technologies and contribute more effectively to my team."
Motivated by Impact: "What truly motivates me in my work is making a positive impact on others. Knowing that my efforts are contributing to something meaningful gives me a sense of purpose and drives me to excel. For instance, I volunteered to lead a project aimed at improving customer satisfaction scores, which resulted in a significant increase in positive feedback."
What Not to Say:
"I'm motivated by money." (While compensation is important, it shouldn't be your primary motivator).
"I'm motivated by power." (This can come across as arrogant or self-serving).
"I don't know." (This indicates a lack of self-awareness).

Alternative Interview Questions About Motivation

Be prepared for variations on the "what motivates you" question. Interviewers might ask:

"What are you looking for in a job?"
"What are your career goals?"
"What makes you excited to come to work each day?"
"Describe a time when you were highly motivated at work."
"How do you stay motivated when faced with challenges?"
Frame your answers to these questions by highlighting your core motivators and how they align with the specific role and company.

Long-Term Motivation: Staying Engaged Over Time

Finding a job that aligns with your motivators is just the first step. It's also important to find ways to stay engaged and motivated over the long term.

Set Goals: Set challenging but achievable goals for yourself. Having something to strive for can help you stay focused and motivated.
Seek Out New Challenges: Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take on new challenges. This can help you learn new skills, stay engaged, and prevent boredom.
Find a Mentor: A mentor can provide guidance, support, and encouragement throughout your career.
Take Breaks: Don't burn yourself out by working non-stop. Take regular breaks to recharge and refresh your mind.
Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. This can help you stay positive and motivated.
Continuously Learn and Grow: Commit to lifelong learning and development. This will help you stay relevant in your field and expand your horizons.

When Motivations Clash: Dealing with Disconnects

What happens when your current role doesn't quite light your fire? It's a common situation.

Identify the Source: Pinpoint exactly what's causing the motivational disconnect. Is it the type of work, the company culture, your colleagues, or something else?
Communicate with Your Manager: Have an open and honest conversation with your manager about your concerns. See if there are opportunities to take on new responsibilities or projects that align more closely with your motivators.
Seek Out Lateral Moves: If a promotion isn't immediately available, consider a lateral move to a different department. This can expose you to new challenges and opportunities, or even reveal [what makes a job fun] in a different setting.
Focus on the Positive: Even if your job isn't perfect, try to focus on the positive aspects. Find things that you enjoy and that you're good at, and make an effort to do more of those things.
Keep Your Skills Sharp: Even if you're not actively looking for a new job, it's important to keep your skills sharp and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in your field. This will make you more marketable and increase your options in the future.

Motivation and Company Culture

Remember, individual motivation doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Company culture plays a HUGE role. A supportive, encouraging environment can amplify your personal drive, while a toxic or uninspiring one can quickly kill it. Before accepting a job offer, try to get a good sense of the company's values and how they treat their employees. This means going beyond the official mission statement and reading employee reviews, asking insightful questions during the interview process, and even networking with current employees if possible.

Finding Your Motivation Sweet Spot

Understanding [things that motivate me]—and you—is an ongoing process. Your motivations can evolve as you grow and change, so it's important to check in with yourself regularly and make sure that your career is still aligned with your values and passions. It's about actively shaping your professional life, not just passively accepting whatever comes your way. By committing to this process of self-discovery, you can unlock your full potential and create a career that is both fulfilling and successful.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

Ready to take charge of your motivation? Start with these actionable steps:

Self-Assessment: Dedicate an hour this week to reflect on your past experiences and identify your key motivators. Write down specific examples of times when you felt truly engaged and energized.
Career Exploration: Research 2-3 different career paths that might align with your motivators. Use online resources to learn about the required skills, responsibilities, and company cultures.
Networking: Reach out to someone who works in a career that interests you and ask them about their experiences.
Company Culture Research: Before your next job interview, thoroughly research the company's culture and values. Look for evidence that they align with your core motivators. You can also [discover your career drivers] with a simple search.
Apply the PSRC Formula: Prepare answers to common interview questions about motivation using the PSRC formula. Practice your answers until they feel natural and authentic.
Ongoing Reflection: Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to assess your motivation levels and make adjustments to your career path as needed. Think about [what motivates you to come] to work each day and make adjustments if these motivations aren't being met.