Wednesday
Dec292004
Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at 12:01AM
Motivation
Motivation is a funny thing. If you have it, the sky is the limit. Without motivation, one is doomed to failure. The sniffles may be the reason someone calls in sick to work, but the same person would brave the bubonic plague to do something they deemed fun.
One of my coworkers is convinced she cannot understand math. If I attempt to explain how to figure a percentage for instance, her eyes glaze over. I tell her she "can" learn, but lacks the motivation. Thus far, she still lacks the motivation.
Eyes glazing over is a definite sign there is no motivation present. I have gotten better at detecting this condition and stop talking when I spot it. I especially realize this phenomenon whenever I try to explain something mechanical to a woman. I like to know how things work, therefore, I can figure out what is wrong when they don't work. My mistake is assuming others also want to understand. In my experience, many do not wnat to know - they just want the damn thing fixed.
In reality, I think we are all motivated, just in different ways. Our interests are not the same and neither are our motivations. The psychiatric patients I work with are highly motivated around the third of the month. They clear up remarkably and become quite involved in their discharge planning. That check is wonderful motivation. Cigarettes motivate them as well. These people become very creative, resourceful, and persuasive if there is a smoke in it for them. Now if I could find a way to motivate them to take their medication, keep MD appointments, and say no to drugs, I would be on to something.
The New Year is a great time to renew one motivation or another. Do you plan to set a resolution? Choose something you are already motivated about. Set a goal that is both specific and attainable.
What motivates you?
Until the next time
John Strain