The surprising truth about what really motivates us

Last time we talked about the importance that the WIIFM factor (What’s In It For Me) plays in being motivated. That the more purposeful and meaningful things are to you and the more you align with your core values, the more motivated you are likely to be in achieving your goals.

 

 

While that is true, psychology and neuroscience tells an intriguing story, another aspect of motivation. It turns out that we humans are not as driven by personal gain as we think. What motivates us is far more intrinsic than you might think. Our human brain is a social organ. At core we are quite altruistic. Altruism and having other people’s interest at heart is an intrinsic biological function and not learned behavior, through religious instructions for example. The part of the brain involved with social interaction, the altruistic part (the posterior superior temporal sulcus) is activated when we do something for someone else. This ability might sound very noble but once again it has to do with core survival. To put it simply, if my group, tribe or community does not survive, I will not survive.

 

 

What has this got to do with motivation? Some of the most motivated people are driven by something greater than them themselves. When this part of the brain lights up we feel good and we are motivated to do more of the same. Remember how we talked about highly successful entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates and how they were being driven by the WIIFM factor? Have you noticed that they were also motivated and driven because they had a greater vision that went beyond just personal interest and benefit?

 

When we do things that also benefit others, not only does our level of motivation go up, our level of inspiration, satisfaction and fulfilment also increases. So when you consider the WIIFM factor, also consider the WIIFU factor, the What's In It For Us?! The more purposeful and meaningful things are beyond mere personal gain and satisfaction, the more your motivation will increase. You could say you can ‘double’ your level of motivation if there is not only personal achievement but if there is an element of contribution to others, to the ‘tribe’, group (i.e. family), the wider community or society.

 

 

Now you might think; but what can I do, I don’t have a big vision, I can’t change the world? When you think about a WIIFU it does not have to be anything grand or earth shattering. I am sure we all have met people who want to make others feel good by providing excellent service in a restaurant and giving people a great dining experience. We have all met others that are highly motivated to do something that benefits those who are less fortunate. It also challenges the notion of what it is to be ‘successful’ but more on that at a later stage. They are highly motivated by doing their best for other people’s benefit and in turn experience job satisfaction and fulfilment. It doesn’t matter what you do, it is the way you do it, doing it to the best of your ability with enthusiasm and pride. It is a real win win. We all know people who do the opposite and they are certainly not motivated. They have low job satisfaction and are often unhappy. Yes, it is true there are some people who are motivated just by money, but most people are motivated by what is purposeful and meaningful, not only to themselves but to others. Remember that at core the human brain is a social organ, the more we are motivated for purely selfish reasons the more likely it is that we end up unhappy and dissatisfied.

 

 

So often I come across people who say, I don’t know what to do, I don’t know what motivates me. When you ask the question; what could you do that also makes a contribution to others, it is interesting how this question immediately opens up possibilities. When the focus moves away from mere self-focussed goals, achievements and interests, the chances are that opportunities open up and motivation flows in that direction.

 

 

Remember that the word motivation comes from the root ‘to move’. Make a decision, start somewhere, start moving. Start by exploring what is important to you, what you really value. Find out what you really want. Challenge your beliefs, as it is important to align your beliefs with what you want. You’ve got to believe that you can achieve your goals because if you don’t your goals aren’t goals, but mere fantasies. Many people are waiting for a miracle to happen but no-one is coming to rescue you. Most importantly, understand that the motivation bus isn’t coming to pick you up. You have to create the momentum yourself; you’ve got to make it happen. Create your own momentum because as the law of cause and effect tells us, momentum creates momentum. Sometimes putting something in motion can be hard, but once momentum is created it becomes easier and easier. Stop waiting for the right or perfect time. Take action and set things in motion, and motivation will follow. Remember there is no better time than now. Start walking and before you know it, you will ‘take off and fly’!