13 Forms of Motivation
I.
It motivates everybody. The allure of success drives the gears of our community, and while I try not to subscribe exclusively to the ideals of society, success is of course something I want in my life. It promises money, ease of living, and occasionally happiness. It would be remiss to ignore these boons, and while I do not attempt to further myself for the typical notion of success itself, the pleasant side effects success brings to the table are enough to push me as much as any other motivator.
II.
I want a very specific future: a professorship in the sciences, head of a research lab, a stable family. My current efforts contribute to the possibility that these come to pass. Oftentimes I get too stuck in the now and lose sight of the larger picture. On these occasions, I consider the future I desire and what is required to reach my goals. Perspective is extremely important in life, and it not only keeps one from sweating the small stuff, but it also allows plans for the future to drive events of the present.
III.
I have to be honest with myself, and part of this honesty involves admitting that a large reason I work hard is to impress others. I wish I could say this was exclusively for the purpose of inspiring others to do well, but there is a certain feeling attached to the moment when others look up to me because I can do something they cannot. I try not to be boastful or showy, but it comes out at inopportune times and—here comes the honesty—I usually don’t regret it. When I can show off my knowledge or skills, it reaffirms the belief that what I have done is worth it and that I should continue to inform and improve my abilities.
IV.
I have two parents that also happen to be teachers. For some reason, this pair of academically-focused individuals was put in charge of raising me. They aren’t necessarily strict, but the unwritten expectation exists for me. How could I not work to excel in academia—an area so important in their minds that there is not an option to be lax in my schooling? As I’ve moved outside my family’s sphere of influence, I have grown extremely thankful for the push my parents have provided me. I may not have always liked it, but their focus on school was one of the greatest things they passed on to me.
V.
Society expects people to work hard. It is ingrained in our American system of values, and it is (typically) the only way to advance in the world in an acceptable manner. Individuals who make an effort in life are praised for their adherence to social norms. Ironically, it is this expectation that may cause younger generations to defy the system, embracing rebellion over the work society asks of them. I subscribe to the opposite philosophy. While society may seem, and often be, limiting, working inside its constructs is sometimes still the best road to advancement.
VI.
Others say that self-motivation is the greatest push to work hard. Somehow success is intrinsically embedded in our being to the point that we find rewards where there is none. I don’t buy into such viewpoints. Humans are overwhelmingly external beings, so self-reward should not be a natural motivator. To combat this, I create motivation even where I see none. Physical rewards such as sweets are always an option, but sometimes just a break—a time to sit and contemplate my work and its consequences—is enough to push me to work even harder.
VII.
Throughout my brief life I have determined that I attempt to do one thing above most others: make myself unique. I cannot stand the homogeneity of many aspects of the world I observe. I want to be known and have a niche, but I am unsure the best course of action to ensure my place is my own. Even if I establish my differences, is it then my duty to help others to do the same? That would risk my own position for favor of bettering the next person. But I trust in the fact that I have my own take on life that won’t be upset by the unique lives of others.
VIII.
My desire to learn. That is a motivator. School is not the horror others make it to be when you want what it offers. I know it is not original, but it is me. My identity is wrapped around learning; it is how I have succeeded to this point. How long does that last? When school ceases, when the focus of my life is applying knowledge rather than gaining, will I still use information as a reason to get out of bed? Oddly enough, my efforts to gain knowledge has only led to more questions.
IX.
Everyone fears failing. I don’t mean the type of failure the way Michael Jordan said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Temporary failure is unfortunate but repairable. It is the fear of failing in life—of not accomplishing your goals—that looms over mine and everyone else’s head. My goals and aspirations push me a great deal, but the fear of not reaching them, crashing and burning, and regretting what I didn’t achieve makes me run in the opposite direction towards success.
X.
I like strategy games, and if there is one thing that all kinds of strategy games have taught me, it is that having options is essential to success. Being cornered into limited choices means you cannot manipulate the circumstances to favor yourself. Life is, in many aspects, a competition, and I do not intend to come to the table empty-handed. I have a vision for my life, but I am not certain of my path to get there. Options allow me to find my way to my goals. Good grades, experience, and connections will provide those options and give me a means to my ends.
XI.
Even though I consider myself an introvert, I feed off my social connections. My friends are my inspiration because I surround myself with the people I aspire to be. I am motivated to be like them and hopefully give them some inspiration as well. Both my friends from my life before college and those I have made since I transitioned to this novel world are immensely important to me. I could not stand to lose them, so I make an effort to stay close to my friends and be the kind of person that I would want to be around.
XII.
While my current friends are hugely motivating, there is also motivation to be drawn from the potential to make new friends and connections with those around me. I am surrounded by a plethora of students in school, and I seek out individuals who I want to have contact with based on their hard work and dedication. It would be remiss of me, however, to assume that I can find others without displaying the same qualities which initially attract me to them. My work is meant to bring people closer—both to each other and to me.
XIII.
My father has one saying that he often repeats: the key to a happy life is helping others. I have often had to take his word for it, but I cannot deny that my life is bettered when those around me are also happy. Working to improve the lives of others and to simply give myself the ability to help others is important to me. Fulfillment is one motivating aspect, but also the possibility of inspiring others to do the same is success in itself.
I.
It motivates everybody. The allure of success drives the gears of our community, and while I try not to subscribe exclusively to the ideals of society, success is of course something I want in my life. It promises money, ease of living, and occasionally happiness. It would be remiss to ignore these boons, and while I do not attempt to further myself for the typical notion of success itself, the pleasant side effects success brings to the table are enough to push me as much as any other motivator.
II.
I want a very specific future: a professorship in the sciences, head of a research lab, a stable family. My current efforts contribute to the possibility that these come to pass. Oftentimes I get too stuck in the now and lose sight of the larger picture. On these occasions, I consider the future I desire and what is required to reach my goals. Perspective is extremely important in life, and it not only keeps one from sweating the small stuff, but it also allows plans for the future to drive events of the present.
III.
I have to be honest with myself, and part of this honesty involves admitting that a large reason I work hard is to impress others. I wish I could say this was exclusively for the purpose of inspiring others to do well, but there is a certain feeling attached to the moment when others look up to me because I can do something they cannot. I try not to be boastful or showy, but it comes out at inopportune times and—here comes the honesty—I usually don’t regret it. When I can show off my knowledge or skills, it reaffirms the belief that what I have done is worth it and that I should continue to inform and improve my abilities.
IV.
I have two parents that also happen to be teachers. For some reason, this pair of academically-focused individuals was put in charge of raising me. They aren’t necessarily strict, but the unwritten expectation exists for me. How could I not work to excel in academia—an area so important in their minds that there is not an option to be lax in my schooling? As I’ve moved outside my family’s sphere of influence, I have grown extremely thankful for the push my parents have provided me. I may not have always liked it, but their focus on school was one of the greatest things they passed on to me.
V.
Society expects people to work hard. It is ingrained in our American system of values, and it is (typically) the only way to advance in the world in an acceptable manner. Individuals who make an effort in life are praised for their adherence to social norms. Ironically, it is this expectation that may cause younger generations to defy the system, embracing rebellion over the work society asks of them. I subscribe to the opposite philosophy. While society may seem, and often be, limiting, working inside its constructs is sometimes still the best road to advancement.
VI.
Others say that self-motivation is the greatest push to work hard. Somehow success is intrinsically embedded in our being to the point that we find rewards where there is none. I don’t buy into such viewpoints. Humans are overwhelmingly external beings, so self-reward should not be a natural motivator. To combat this, I create motivation even where I see none. Physical rewards such as sweets are always an option, but sometimes just a break—a time to sit and contemplate my work and its consequences—is enough to push me to work even harder.
VII.
Throughout my brief life I have determined that I attempt to do one thing above most others: make myself unique. I cannot stand the homogeneity of many aspects of the world I observe. I want to be known and have a niche, but I am unsure the best course of action to ensure my place is my own. Even if I establish my differences, is it then my duty to help others to do the same? That would risk my own position for favor of bettering the next person. But I trust in the fact that I have my own take on life that won’t be upset by the unique lives of others.
VIII.
My desire to learn. That is a motivator. School is not the horror others make it to be when you want what it offers. I know it is not original, but it is me. My identity is wrapped around learning; it is how I have succeeded to this point. How long does that last? When school ceases, when the focus of my life is applying knowledge rather than gaining, will I still use information as a reason to get out of bed? Oddly enough, my efforts to gain knowledge has only led to more questions.
IX.
Everyone fears failing. I don’t mean the type of failure the way Michael Jordan said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Temporary failure is unfortunate but repairable. It is the fear of failing in life—of not accomplishing your goals—that looms over mine and everyone else’s head. My goals and aspirations push me a great deal, but the fear of not reaching them, crashing and burning, and regretting what I didn’t achieve makes me run in the opposite direction towards success.
X.
I like strategy games, and if there is one thing that all kinds of strategy games have taught me, it is that having options is essential to success. Being cornered into limited choices means you cannot manipulate the circumstances to favor yourself. Life is, in many aspects, a competition, and I do not intend to come to the table empty-handed. I have a vision for my life, but I am not certain of my path to get there. Options allow me to find my way to my goals. Good grades, experience, and connections will provide those options and give me a means to my ends.
XI.
Even though I consider myself an introvert, I feed off my social connections. My friends are my inspiration because I surround myself with the people I aspire to be. I am motivated to be like them and hopefully give them some inspiration as well. Both my friends from my life before college and those I have made since I transitioned to this novel world are immensely important to me. I could not stand to lose them, so I make an effort to stay close to my friends and be the kind of person that I would want to be around.
XII.
While my current friends are hugely motivating, there is also motivation to be drawn from the potential to make new friends and connections with those around me. I am surrounded by a plethora of students in school, and I seek out individuals who I want to have contact with based on their hard work and dedication. It would be remiss of me, however, to assume that I can find others without displaying the same qualities which initially attract me to them. My work is meant to bring people closer—both to each other and to me.
XIII.
My father has one saying that he often repeats: the key to a happy life is helping others. I have often had to take his word for it, but I cannot deny that my life is bettered when those around me are also happy. Working to improve the lives of others and to simply give myself the ability to help others is important to me. Fulfillment is one motivating aspect, but also the possibility of inspiring others to do the same is success in itself.