A Motivation Theory To Try Right Now
A great motivation theory has to recognize the fact that we each get motivated differently. In the practice of neuro-linguistic programming or “NLP” this is taken into account in many ways. One of the more useful NLP theories will be the idea of “away-from” and “towards” personalities.
Obviously, we each have both modes of operation as a part of the way we operate, but frequently one is prominent in each of us. Those in who the “towards” motivation dominates will be more affected by thoughts of future rewards. Those with a primarily “away-from” motivational style, will be more affected by thoughts of escaping pain or difficulty.
Why not use this test to get an idea about which motivational style rules your personality? Just read the following 2 descriptions of what having huge amounts of money could mean to you.
1. You are safe and secure. You by no means have to return to your job or do anything you do not wish to do. You’ve the means to eliminate most of your problems effortlessly. You have everything you need to be free and comfy.
2. You’ve the home of your dreams, and your favorite car too. You buy something you want for you and your friends, and you do what you want. You have the means to accomplish any of your objectives.
If the first description is more convincing to you, you primarily have an “away-from” personality. If you feel more motivated by the second description, you have a “towards” personality. You will find good and bad points to both kinds. “Towards” individuals make good entrepreneurs, for example, but frequently get into trouble because they do not plan well enough to steer clear of problems. “Away-from” people manage issues well and steer clear of issues, but don’t do as well at big goals.
How do we make use of this motivation theory and this knowledge about yourself to your best benefit? Suppose you want to make more cash and you are an “towards” person. You would wish to picture the issues you’ll purchase and do with that cash, but also be aware that you might be glossing over the issues. If you are an “away-from” person, you’ll need to continually remind yourself what a mess it’ll be if you fail. Otherwise you’ll lose your motivation when you reach some level of comfort.
Of course, when you understand these two motivational styles, you are able to also influence other people more easily. If you wanted to sell a brand new automobile to somebody, for example, you’d first decide if they’re motivated away from things or towards things. For the former, you might explain how this new automobile will mean no more used-car hassles, or how it’ll make life simpler. For the latter, you would explain how great they’ll look in it, or what it can do.
You can play with this theory, and practice using this knowledge to influence others, but don’t forget to influence yourself. While it’s helpful for understanding and influencing others, this is a motivation theory that is best used to affect your own self improvement.
