Welcome to Motivational Mondays with Mark Kent your weekly Proactive Empowerment Performance (PEP) talk with Mark Kent.
Last week I shared with you the concept of the Action First principle and the importance of separating emotions or feelings from actions or principles over passions.(refer to archives).
This week I would like to explain the two basic drives responsible for motivation.
The two basic drives are:
1) Intrinsic, and;
2) Extrinsic.
Both are responsible for just about everything we do. How consistently you perform on a daily basis depends upon how much you are intrinsically motivated as opposed to extrinsic motivation.
Extrinsic motivation is based upon external factors i.e. commissions,rewards,seeking approval,and of course consequences which is unfortunately the primary drive behind procrastinators and those who believe they work best under pressure as well as approval seeking individuals.
The problem with consequential motivation or any extrinsic reasons for completing a task is it's not within our control,there can be unpredictable changes and is usually driven by negative emotions for example such as anxiety or fear or consequential outcomes or guilt for disappointing someone or trying to meet someone's expectations.
If you look at the tasks you complete in the run of a day you may notice many are extrinsically driven. If so you may have difficulties sustaining consistent effort as extrinsic motivation is based upon external factors and they can change from day to day.
However the Intrinsic motivators are driven from within based upon principles ,values and passions that are more resilient against external factors and remain constant even if there are changes in the emotions or external situation.
Ever notice how driven and or consistent you are when you are passionate about something or have a strong value base for something you believe in. Think of Green Peace, MADD and other activists who give extraordinary persistent effort over time for causes they believe in.
In terms of motivation it's important to design as much intrinsic motivation in your life as possible.
Here's how it's done.
1) Try to reduce your propensity towards consequential motivation by examining any procrastination tendencies and try to employ the Action First principle regardless of how you feel at the moment.
2) Realize the more extrinsic motivation plays a role in your behaviour you will likely be vulnerable to emotions and situations that can manipulate your behaviours therefore rendering you inconsistent and inefficient.
3)Identify your core values, principles and passions and see if they line up with your behaviours. If not you will likely be in conflict and lack motivation in completing your tasks. However when you achieve principle based passions and disciplined based desires then your motivation will remain consistent over changing times and situations giving you a greater degree of success, satisfaction empowerment and fulfillment in life.
Next week I will explain how winning an exotic race car has to do with long term and short term motivation.
Thanks again for allowing me to serve you and share these ideas on motivation.
To your empowerment, motivation and success.
Mark Kent
