PRIME MOVERS – The Motivation Trinity

Welcome back Viphilus*

This month I want to take a look at what it is that moves us to do what we do. I’m calling these things the Prime Movers.

Discussion about what motivates a person usually brings up names like Maslow or Max-Neef in reference to basic human needs, or else names like Skinner or Herzberg and directly developed motivation theories. Check out those links if you are interested

Motivation can be categorized into a variety of ways. For example, motivation can be classed as extrinsic or intrinsic:

Intrinsic motivation refers to the motivation that is driven by an interest or enjoyment in the task itself, and exists within the individual rather than relying on any external pressure. These are the deeper motivations.

Extrinsic motivation, often referred to as “carrots & sticks” motivation, comes from outside the individual. Common extrinsic motivations are rewards, coercion and threat of punishment. These focus primarily on the physical and emotional. Psychological research studies have shown repeatedly that extrinsic rewards can lead to a subsequent reduction in intrinsic motivation. Shallow stimulation promotes shallow growth.

Here’s an interesting business axiom … those who are least motivated to pursue extrinsic rewards are more likely to receive them. (reflect on that one).

In following this literature with great interest over the last decade or so I have settled on another way to think about and categorize motivation. I’ve lumped everything into three categories, each with a unique and independent perspective. I call this the “trinity of movers.” (I recognize that you may think of these words in a slightly different way, so be careful to notice my definitions).

DRIVE is that thing you feel inside when you are drawn-driven to fulfil an unmet need in your life. Drive is tricky because it can be both positive and negative, but generally it is driven by scarcity and generally is extrinsic.

INSPIRATION can be external or internal but it is that thing you feel inside when you are called-drawn-driven to grow and BE better. The word “inspire” comes from the Latin, and means, to breathe life into. Inspiration then means, “full of breath” or “full of life.”

PASSION is that thing you feel inside when you are pursuing purpose, either towards accomplishment or by working in areas of your strengths (I’ll define “strengths” later in the month). It is that inner resonance when you do what you know you were made to do. Stephen Covey lists “passion” as one of the four pillars of a powerful life.

That’s it for this week … just an introduction to the trinity of movers. Take time to ponder these and what the words drive, inspiration and passion mean to you before we get to next week, when I drill down into DRIVE.

Blessings Viphilus,

Your friend, Omega Man

OCA Training

* Viphilus means, "lover of life"