Over the past month, I have received more questions about motivation. How does it affect our work and non-work lives? Do all individuals engaged in the same activity share the same values?
Let’s look at some motivators from my life to understand the nature of values and inner motivation.
I have many life roles. They are parent, husband, careerist, athlete, citizen, poet, and musician. In my career and within my family, my primary value is “service”.
The photo above is from the Pure Grit Trail Race as I crossed the finish line. Two of my girls were there and joined me for the finish. This image sums up many roles and values. It is interesting to note that we were at the same event, but the motivators are unique to each individual.
I love trail races as they allow for different ages, stages, and abilities to take part. Trail running feeds my love of movement in the great outdoors. Being able to do it with my family makes it even more rewarding.
Elizabeth (on the right) is 11 and already has clearly developed values. She ran a children’s race that morning. Her #1 value is “competition”. Her goal is always to be on the podium. In this 2.5 km race, she was 3rd place in the girls.
Erica, who is dancing in the middle, is now 6. Her values are still evolving. At this time, her primary value is to have ‘fun’. As long as it is fun, she will run and dance with me!
What does this all mean?
First, when you are working with others on a team, don’t assume you are all there for the same reason. Take the time to find out what is motivating to your teammates. You may be surprised to find out!
Second, ensure you are fulfilling your life roles. We humans cannot thrive in a narrowly defined life. Beware of seeking all values within one life role, like work. Too many individuals struggle to get all their values fulfilled through work. I invite you to consider how to ‘round out’ your life and work!
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Photo courtesy of Georgian Bay Nordic