The Power of Appreciation
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As the sun’s warm embrace starts to envelop us, August is the perfect canvas to explore the intricacies of motivation that fuel our journey through life. Motivation, the unseen force that propels us forwards, is a complex interplay of our internal desires and external rewards. Let’s embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, while discovering the power of our individual language of appreciation as our motivational companions.
The Enigma of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
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In the maze of human motivation, two distinct forces reign supreme: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is the internal spark that propels us to engage in activities simply for the joy they bring, this is like the artist who paints for the love of creating something wonderful. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation is powered by external rewards and recognition, or the desire to avoid punishment or loss, mirroring the athlete striving for victory on the podium, looking for another medal or recognition.
Mapping Our Motivational Terrain
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Imagine your motivation as a vast landscape, with peaks of passion and valleys of disinterest. Recognising the lay of your motivational land can empower you to navigate more skillfully. Discover your peaks, those activities that set your soul ablaze, and analyse the valleys, where motivation seems to fade. Is it the thrill of the activity itself, the allure of praise or seeking to avoid pain that propels you forward? This knowledge becomes your compass as you chart your course.
Balancing the Scales of Motivation
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Harnessing the power of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is akin to a delicate balancing act. Picture a tightrope walker, gracefully swaying between the inner joy of performance and the applause of the crowd. While extrinsic rewards can provide the wind beneath your wings, it’s the intrinsic joy that prevents the fall. The secret lies in recognising when to lean towards one or the other, and when to tread the middle ground.
The Multilingual Tapestry of Appreciation
Illustration 83853648 | Appreciation © Iqoncept | Dreamstime.com
Amid the whispers of motivation, the languages of appreciation stand as a symphony of encouragement. Just as we communicate in different languages to be understood, we express appreciation in different ways. Some find solace in words of affirmation, while others flourish with the gift of time spent together. Acts of service, tangible gifts, and even the subtlety of physical touch complete this multilingual tapestry.
Cracking the Code of Appreciation
Illustration 131317431 © Mungkorn Lasonthi | Dreamstime.com
Unraveling the appreciation code begins by decoding your own preferred language. Are you swayed by spoken affirmations that echo like sweet melodies? Or does the brush of a hand against your arm speak louder than words? Now, turn the tables and observe those around you. Tailoring your expressions of appreciation in a language they understand fuels motivation in ways you wouldn’t believe.
Conclusion
As we walk towards autumn, I invite you to take a moment to explore the concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, what is it that motivates you to do the work you do? How many of your motivators for your work come from within, and how many are external? I also encourage you to consider the significance of showing appreciation, as it holds the key to unleashing motivation’s power and fostering greater connections with others.
To find out more about our work, and how we can support your teams to identify their motivators, call today on 07880 776756 or send us an email.
