We universally agree that motivation is good. Yet far too few of us act on that motivation. Thousands have eagerly attended one popular seminar billed as “Get Motivated.” I have witnessed firsthand the passion that this event evokes. With speakers such as Rudolph Guiliani, Colin Powell, Terry Bradshaw and others, who could help but get excited? But if no action is taken as a result, the day was mere entertainment. Was that the goal?
Motivation alone evaporates. We need to “get galvanized.”
The word “galvanized” typically conjures up the adjective, meaning items that are hot-dipped with zinc to prevent rusting. However, I am advocating the verb form of “galvanized” – “to stir to action.” Our motivation must spur us to act!
I am convinced that many fail to act because they are dependent upon a inferior source of motivation. The basis of all motivation is: (1) fear-based; (2) rewards-based; or (3) internally based upon one’s attitude and drive.
Fear motivates us to act when the consequences of not acting are undesirable (e.g., “If you don’t do this, you will be fired”). Such motivation is external in origin and is temporary. We are so acting merely because an external force is pressuring us. Once we act accordingly, the threat is alleviated, at least until a similar situation arises.
Rewards-based motivation is likewise external and temporal. If we act as the other person wants, we receive a reward (e.g., “If you do this, I will pay you a bonus”). Once we have the reward in hand, our motivation dissipates until the next proverbial carrot is dangled in front of us.
In contrast to both of these, internally based motivation endures. When we are internally motivated, we are driven by our own passion and ambition. Our prize is achievement, which in turn drives us for more; internal motivation is self-perpetuating. Without it, we limit our success and ultimately become frustrated.
Lack of execution plagues corporate America daily. Meetings serve as a familiar illustration. Meetings are often poorly run. Worse yet, there commonly is no follow-through. One group that I repeatedly met with some time ago comes to mind – I reflect upon them more as “beatings.”
“Ring Around the Rosy” begins to play in my head. Why? Perhaps many reasons, but at least three are apparent:
• The toddler level of dialogue that frequently occurred (a la “it’s mine, mine, mine”);
• The way the participants went around in circles, with little progress; and
• The invariable falling down, with no follow-through! (. . . ashes, ashes, we all fall down)
As I think back on those meetings, I imagine obese fruit flies on the wall scoffing at the “mature” humans who exhibit childish relational dynamics, chasing their tails like mutts in the yard (moving off dead-center only with the momentum generated from the tail chasing). Of course, the flies are present to await an eventual feast, the spoils of what remains in the room for days because no one acts on decisions made. Worst of all, the flies know the process will begin again in the following week’s meeting.
What an utter waste of time!
[*Stay tuned for 3 ways to get galvanized!]
© 2012 Russ Riddle. All rights reserved.