At times we face personal or professional challenges. We want to conquer our fears, control strong emotions or try to escape from them. On the other hand, we all have in mind successful individuals, praised for their achievements. Think about Leonardo da Vinci, Martin Luther King Jr or Bill Gates (a list can be found here); they demonstrate great abilities, acquired over a long period, in solving improbable challenges despite close to zero chances of success. We then talk about predisposition, perseverance, motivation, divine intervention or dedication. But what is really the source of inner motivation? How can we influence it and persevere when the going gets tough? Here are some hints about harnessing personal drive.
Both in actions and thoughts, we are subject to many influences. We end up accepting them without often thinking too much about their implications. Let’s consider our past experiences, the norms that were constantly repeated by all kinds of circles in the society we live in, our living conditions and upbringing. These are among the most significant influencers of our character. And when we dig in ourselves, we find the core that triggers them: values. That is, what we believe is right or wrong, is possible or impossible, worthy of pursuit or to discard at all cost and everything in between.
Values represent guiding principles influencing the attitudes we hold and how we act. Our values affect our choices, decisions and our perception of the world around us.
Values and their influence
Over the years, researchers and psychologist discovered surprising consistencies in things people value. The key learning is that values are universal. The main differences between individuals comes by the choices we make and the degrees we internalise and exhibit some over the others. For instance, everyone has a sense of security and freedom. Hence, some people will value more their freedom and independence and explore these areas in their surrounding. Other people would value more security and comfort and develop these aspects around them. Though these values cannot be pursued at the same time. There will be times, though, when the traveller would welcome some sedentary periods, and the homebody enjoy some brief holidays away from the secure nest.
Different values, and the psychological relationships between them, have important effects on our behaviours, attitudes and well-being. The relationship between values has an effect on our judgements. Because of the tension between them, when we engage with opposing values at the same time, we tend to react with conflicting feelings. Think about the last time you were ordered or felt coerced to act against your values.
Our experience of various aspects of our society will help strengthen the expression of particular values. This is reinforced continuously. That is, we tend to do more of the same because it is according to our values, which in return, strengthens our values. Community centres and churches, trade unions, libraries, local sports clubs – institutions that we share and recognise as promoting the common good – may increase the importance we place on equality, social justice, or friendship. Which also means that organisations, through their leaders, can influence the expression of the values stand for and want to foster through their members.
Apply now to this program and get ready to explore the realm of personal values and their connections with motivation, influence and connections with others. The participants will embark on a journey to discover the source of their personal drive and how to implement their findings within their environment.