Motivation is defined as the reason for actions, willingness and goals and can be both external and internal. This article focuses on internal motivation in relation to self-actualization and fulfillment of life purpose and divine assignment.
“What motivates you?”
When an interviewee asks this question in relation to a specific job, the person really wants to know what makes you tick, what drives you to succeed, and does your motivation fit with the job in question? You should answer not simply on the basis of what the company would like to hear, but from the passion that genuinely rises from your heart. By the way, only telling people what they want is people-pleasing and fear-based. Sharing your heart with empathy is God-pleasing and love-based. Stating your motivation with authenticity helps align career goals and opportunities to your personal vision, keeping priorities for personal growth and leadership in proper order. Note: don’t become someone you aren’t in an effort to fit somewhere you don’t belong. Serve your people while first remaining true to yourself. So, what motivates YOU?
Here’s what I found motivates me. See my self-assessment tools article for source material.
As a spiritual teacher and leader, I feel fulfilled when I persuade with empathy and help people achieve “light bulb” moments. As a combination Melancholic-Choleric, I am driven by two temperament needs: to do things right (details) and get results. I have a strong drive to tell others what I know and what to do. I am a natural teacher and trainer.
As a D-type personality, I am highly motivated by new challenges, setting and achieving goals, and seeing tangible results. I appreciate receiving recognition and rewards. I enjoy power and authority to take risks and make decisions. Freedom from routine and ordinary is important. Changing work and play environments is highly motivating.
As a protagonist, my vision pulls me towards leadership, focusing me on work that contributes toward a greater cause and higher calling. As an achiever, maximizer and learner, growing leaders and financial resources greatly appeals to me. I want to invest in people, developing myself and others.
As a perfectionist (type 1 enneagram), I seek to implement my vision of a better world. A sense of justice drives my attitudes, decisions and actions toward a better future and more equal opportunity for all. My mission is to use my talents to create a safer and fairer environment for the greater good.
Motivating questions:
Who do I want to be in 5-10 years and how does my future self act?
- I want to be an executive coach, consultant and trainer. I want to teach in post-secondary environments but not as a primary career. I prefer building an online education company, helping emerging millennial and centennial leaders grow spiritually, emotionally and professionally to more authentically connect with themselves and others, solve problems, and maximize personal and business results.
- I act as an ambassador, diplomat, advisor, and counselor. I ask exploratory and insightful questions. I intuit and engage authentically, drawing out and helping reveal the dreams and motivators in people’s hearts, providing roadmaps and insights to help them reach their destiny.
If money wasn’t an issue, who would I help and how?
- Leaders of leaders. C-Suite executives, senior-level ministers, politicians and military officials throughout the Western Hemisphere.
- I would help through individual coaching and counseling, group mentorship and trainings, and online courses and resources.
What would I love to do?
- Lead, speak, teach, coach, facilitate, counsel, write, organize, connect, sing, minister.
- Online and in-person classes, workshops, seminars, conferences, summits, roundtables, think-tanks, one-on-one and group sessions, books, online multimedia albums and alternate derivatives.
How would I like to make an impact?
- I would empower emerging leaders who are secure, confident and thriving in their unique identities and strengths. I would help them overcome unresolved emotional issues, chart a clear, forward course, obtain relevant educational resources and remain connected to caring mentorship for holistic wellbeing.
- I want to see leaders transform their lives to create model families, companies and communities championing human values and improving opportunities for each member.
What jobs align with my values?
- Executive coach, online entrepreneur, college professor, minister, counselor.
Who do I need to be in order to be my best self and live the life I desire?
- I need to be secure, confident, authentic, reflective, contemplative, insightful, informative, and resourceful.
- I need to continuously study, grow, prepare, qualify and lead by example. I need to identify leader challenges and focus on solutions I can provide.
David Lockwood 