I love helping to motivate others. Whether it’s to accomplish their goals, overcome an obstacle or expand their view of what’s possible, finding that spark of motivation makes me, and usually the other person feel great.
But it is not that easy to motivate someone. Why? Because not only do different people have different motivators, there is also the issue of timing. The timing has to be right, when it is needed and asked for.
Finding the right motivator is like solving a complex equation with multiple variables, some of which you may not be aware of. A trigger may work one day, but be rendered useless the next.
I’ve experienced situations where I was completely confident in my approach, yet was shot down immediately because the other person was not interested in moving forward. You can’t force a solution, or even the spark of one, if someone isn’t ready.
So, what can we do, and what will bring lasting results? The first step is understanding the triggers of what’s possible and how people become motivated.
Types of Motivators
It’s helpful to have an idea of the possible forms of motivation. These are the tools in the motivation tool belt.
There are two primary types of motivators – extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic motivation refers to behavior that is driven by external rewards. Examples of extrinsic motivators would be money, fame and stuff. These types of motivators are characterized as being short-lived, less potent, relatively easy to provide, and quick to motivate.
Intrinsic motivators, on the other hand, are more difficult to find, stronger and usually have a longer life span. They are often built gradually built over time. The motivation to engage in a behavior that includes intrinsic motivation arises from within the individual because it is naturally and internally satisfying.
In addition to extrinsic and intrinsic, there are also positive and negative variations of motivation.
Positive motivators are those that are uplifting and energizing such as hope, positive self-talk, or having a positive outlook of self or things in life. They are a form of optimistic encouragement.
As you might surmise, negative motivators would include negative self-talk, negative attitudes and fear (fear of failure, fear of no respect, impostor syndrome, etc.). Although fear is a motivator, it often doesn’t last long because once the fear is understood, it’s impact diminishes.
Harnessing the Power of Motivation
The main weakness of all these motivators is that they wear off. The circumstances may change, needs may be met or other solutions may occur. All of these can impact motivation.
Therefore, it’s helpful to take a more detailed and personal approach.
Everyone is different and each day is different.
To motivate someone the question is not, “How can I motivate an individual?” It is, “How one can we create an environment that taps into the existing motivators within that individual?”
The logic behind this is based on a simple, yet challenging concept and that is people must live in the moment and address the issues that are currently facing. We can aim towards what we want or wish but aren’t living in the past or future. All we have is now.
We need to accept who we are what the circumstances may be. We certainly can’t change the past, but what happens now and in the future is in our control.
The fact of the matter is that true and lasting motivation takes place at an individual level – one person at a time. It must be tailored to meet the individual’s needs, culture, and trigger points.
Once a motivator recognizes those trigger points they can provide a supportive environment for them. There are common stimuli among people, the ones that stick and make people wanting to take risks and change their behaviors.
People commonly desire recognition, respect, success, financial stability, peace of mind, admiration and love. Therefore, we need to find out what drives each individual’s behavior.
The Secret to Motivation
We need to pay attention to “what’s in it for me”? And learning about that is the secret to motivation.
Here are three strategies to find out about “what’s in it for me?”:
- Paying attention and show genuine interest to what people talk about, what interests them.
- Ask questions about what can you do to motivate them.
- Find out what de-motivates someone and then stop doing it.
