Skip to main content

What drives you?

 

Why do we do the things we do?  If we're honest with ourselves, we know our actions are driven by two things: motivation & ability.  Ability to do anything is influenced by external help and/or environmental structure.  Motivation is connected to our internal belief system, our values.

Intrinsic

The things we value most in life are our internal motivators. They are our core values. The things we sacrifice for, stand up for and are prepared to die for if it came to that.  They're super powerful, especially when you make the connection to what they are with your behaviors. Our core values are why we shop where we shop, drive the car we do and read the books we read. Get clear on what they are for and you don't apologize for stepping into them each day. It's who you are & how you lead.

Extrinsic

This can take the form of people who help AND stuff that enables the doing. Let's say you've decided to start jogging. Share your decision with others who will provide support. Put your jogging clothes near your bed so it's easy to jump in and take off. You've gained a success partner & designed the environment to support a new habit.

Deciding & Doing

6 frogs are sitting on a log.
4 decide to jump off.
How many frogs are on the log?

Still 6 because deciding & doing are different.  It's the same with us. It's only when you build connections to your intrinsic "why" AND extrinsic motivators that doing begins to happen. What would the person you want to be do? Do that!

Bringing It Together
*A Personal leadership philosophy is your plan to lead today, daily commitment and connection to what drives you every day

Add Comment

Comments (0)

Post

About the Extension Foundation

This website is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension (funding opportunity no. USDA-NIFA-OP-010186), grant no. 2023-41595-41325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Extension Foundation. For more information, please visit extension.org. You can view the terms of use at extension.org/about/terms.

×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×