What Motivates People?

What do you think is the driving force behind people who are successful today? Is it the promise of reward, recognition, and influence? Is it something deeper? In order to motivate potential employees, city workers, government agencies, or faithful families, what would you do? How would you encourage extra effort and hard work for more success?

Author, Chuck Swindoll says, “There are two kinds of motivation: extrinsic motivation, which is the most common but used by fewer great leaders, and intrinsic motivation, which appeals to the internal part of a person.”

The author goes on to describe how this might work in a family and home. You say to your child, “Come on, honey, it’s time for your bath. It’s Saturday night…bath night. Let’s get cleaned up.” And the child answers, “I don’t want to.” You respond, “I’ll let you watch TV if you hurry.” That’s an example of external incentive (reward). “When the child gets a little older and starts to school he is told by his parents, “For every ‘A’ you make, we’ll give you a dollar.” This is another example of external motivation. A little later, the same child has the promise of making the dean’s list if they make good grades.

Funny the way this external motivation follows us through life. As adults in business, we work extra hours with the hope of receiving the “Christmas bonus” or “special trip to Hawaii for increased sales."

Extrinsic motivation is getting on the train which appeals to our materialistic attitudes and values. This is not all wrong. There is nothing bad about being rewarded for good behavior and hard work. Occasionally, this is enough for discovering success; the thing which does the trick for getting us out of bed each day.

But what if there is a better way, still? What if there is an optional way to help people realize it is not just about working over-time; longer hours, for getting more stuff? This is where the Bible and Jesus can play a part in our development. As we grow older, intrinsic motivation (internal) should have a greater appeal.

Jesus says there is another, better way, to scratch people where they itch. This Jesus change will become transformative, wholelistic, all-inclusive, hearts which change for God’s purpose each day on earth. Rewards, wealth, power, and personal recognition, no longer scratches the itch any longer.

Join us this weekend for a new summer series, DO SOMETHING. We’re taking a look at the early, 1st century church and what became their vibe, mantra, calling card, and motivation each day of life. Join us in person and online, Journey Sat@6pm/Sun@10:30am. Grab a cup of coffee and a snack on the coffee bar. Let’s talk. How can people like us, extremely overwhelmed with small margins off time, find true motivation for the things which bring glory to God on earth?

We can do this. Let’s go.