[#CoachTom] In the intricate tapestry of human behaviour, motivation emerges as a fascinating thread, one that propels us towards success and fulfilment, yet also steers us away from danger and harm. In the Fiends & Heroes model section of Think.Coach.Thrive!, I delved into the nuanced understanding of motivation personified as a Hero character, doing battle against the Fiend voices within us.
The concept of motivation is often associated with positive action – pursuing goals, overcoming obstacles, and achieving success. However, this perspective is just one side of the coin. Motivation, in its broader essence, also encompasses the drive to avoid certain actions or behaviours, serving as a protective mechanism against potential harm.
Motivation as a Hero: The Push Towards Achievement
When we discuss motivation as a driving force, it’s akin to a hero within us, urging us to chase our dreams and ambitions. Whether your hero is a Damage Dealer, Healer or the Tank – they have hero powers to ignite your motivation, powering you towards your aspiration in a hero journey of progress. It’s this energy that fuels your quest towards learning a new language, mastering a skill, or achieving professional milestones. It’s a forward thrust, an internal positive force encouraging us to power up towards our goals.
This hero aspect of motivation is evident in everyday achievements and personal growth stories. It’s the force that makes us endure long hours of practice, the resilience to face challenges, and the determination to turn dreams into reality. It is inherently tied to positive outcomes and personal development.
Understanding De-Motivation of the Fiend
Contrastingly, de-motivation oftentimes manifests as a fiend such as the Dragon (Voice of Fear), a sinister voice that pulls us away from our full potential and instilling doubts and fears. This aspect of de-motivation is preventable and being able to identify them in its native form: Voice of Judgement, Voice of Fear and Voice of Care lets us avoid negative behaviours and potentially toxic situations. It’s not always about resisting and fighting these fiendish voices – sometimes the best course of action is to smartly side-step these maleficent villains. This aspect of protecting one’s motivation is equally important as it safeguards our well-being and steers us towards healthier life choices.
The duality of motivation, as personified by both hero and fiend, highlights its complex role in our lives and daily thoughts. It is crucial to understand this distinction to harness motivation effectively. While the ‘hero’ pushes us towards growth and fulfilment, the ‘fiend’ is hard at work attempting to tip the balance towards poor decisions. How we heed or ignore these voices will ultimately determine the level of achievement of our heroic quest.
The Impact of Social Influence on Motivation
Social dynamics play a significant role in shaping our motivation. The desire to be accepted or to conform to peer expectations can significantly influence our choices. Younger people, especially, might find themselves engaging in behaviours to conform to social norms in an effort to feel included. This is a critical area where understanding the hero and the fiend aspects of motivation becomes essential. Do you seek other hero characters and join up in a mutually beneficial quest. Or do your fiendish voices seek out other fiendish companions seeking to drag you down?
Understanding the dual nature of motivation is crucial for personal development. Recognizing when motivation is serving as a hero, propelling us towards beneficial goals, and when it acts as a fiend, pulling us away from the heroic paths, is key. It is about finding that equilibrium where our actions are not just driven by instant gratification but are aligned with our overall well-being and values. Glory and celebration awaits those who complete their quests and return home!
Conclusion
Motivation, in its essence, is a powerful tool in the arsenal of human behaviour. It’s a force that can lead us to remarkable achievements and protect us from potential pitfalls. As we navigate through life’s complexities, understanding and harnessing both the hero and the fiend aspects of motivation can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling, and purposeful life. In essence, motivation in all its forms is not just about the pursuit of happiness, but also about the wisdom of avoidance, and this nuanced understanding is what can lead to a truly enriched and heroic journey.
Coach Tom is an Official Member of the Forbes Coaches Council (2024). Check out the various articles by #CoachTom on AI+Web3, leadership, organization transformation, strategy. Connect with him and stay updated on his exciting projects at:
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