How Knowing Your Motivational Style Can Help You Succeed

Have you ever had a particular goal, but you’d only get so far and get stuck? You felt like you were spinning your wheels? Hit the wall?

We think many people can relate to this. The lack of progress could very well be a motivation issue, and as such, you can benefit from learning about motivational styles and how they can help you succeed.  

Why do you think some people have more motivation than others?

Even when we want something so much, why do we put off taking the steps to actually get it?

We like to learn and study many topics, including motivation. We want the answers to a lot of questions.  We like to study motivation because we believe it is a tool that can build amazing things!

“A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.” – Vince Lombardi

Motivation varies from person to person, but understanding your motivation style can help you continue to succeed in life.

Motivational Style 1: Those That Fear Consequences

This is the person who is motivated to do something because they want to avoid a certain negative consequence. It’s the “avoid-action” motivation type. For example, the person who fears getting health problems will avoid smoking. Or the person who fears getting fired will go to work and do a good job.

Motivation Style 2: Those That Want A Reward

This person wants to get something (reward or incentive), so they take a particular action. For example, the person who wants to begin a career as a lawyer will attend law school.

Motivational Style 3: Those That Value Achievement

This is the person who loves achieving things, so in order to be consistently achieving things, they take action toward their goals. For example, the student that loves receiving awards will spend a great deal of time in school doing his or her best, keeping in mind that the top students receive awards and/or recognition.

Motivational Style 3: Those That Value Growth (personal or spiritual)

This is the person who really values positive momentum and growth. For example, the person who has this motivation style may attend workshops, read books, and talk to mentors regularly with the intent to keep growing.

Motivational Style 5: Those That Value Community

This is the person who really values community. Social factors play a big role in his or her life. For example, the healer who wants to feel part of a tribe will attend community activities regularly.

Motivational Style 6: Those That Value Power

This is the person who loves to feel powerful, so he or she will perform actions that make her feel powerful. (Take a leadership position, manage a large group of people, etc.)

Do you see yourself in any of these motivation styles?

Motivational experts say that if you try to line up with a motivational style that doesn’t really resonate with you, you’ll end up slacking in a quick minute. Making progress will feel painful and oftentimes you’ll end up quitting.

For example, if you’re not motivated by social factors, you probably won’t be thrilled about attending community events. Instead, you may be motivated by gaining rewards, so for you, taking an online course or small workshop may be your ticket to gaining momentum.

Knowing your motivational styles can help you when it comes to work and play. Does this mean if you’re not motivated by social events that you never attend them? Not at all. It simply means you pick and choose wisely. You weigh the pros and cons, and you learn what other motivational factors resonate with you and implement them in your life too. It’s about becoming aware and staying balanced.  

So, what are your motivational styles?

Now that you know, line up your goals in accordance and get doing whatever it is that excites you!

Create the kind of life that you really want!