What motivates men to do something might equally inspire women, but the factors that trigger action in men are often, if not always, varied from those that motivate women. Studies have shown that men respond better to incentives related to goal setting than to financial rewards. This might not be different from what women see as motivation, but specific studies have demonstrated that men are spurred by challenges that have an element of risk involved. Women, according to studies, are motivated more by respect, interpersonal relations, empathy, acknowledgement and the like.
The question here then is how to ensure that motivation, the one that predicts success, is a constant factor for men who need spurs to set goals? What makes this subject appear all the more complex is that the source of motivation may be varied and also unrelated to success.
So what does it take for men to give their best?
Seek Reward
The reward in question could be an immediate incentive or mental satisfaction, but the fact is that what motivates one might not even get another to dilate his eyes. The reward then boils down to what one believes, rather classifies as an incentive; that is the deciding factor in establishing how much dedication will go into fulfilling a task. Self-interest is the motivation that is fuelled by a sense of independence and a feeling of mastery that the task endows.
Feel Strongly
Emotions play a strong role in dictating one’s actions, which is why it is seen as a big source of motivation too. Strong emotions like fear, jealousy or even revenge are better motivators than external rewards. In effect, how strongly one feels about certain issues/people can work more powerfully than other, seemingly obvious, triggers of motivation. What is important then is to focus on emotions and induce the right feelings. This should be applied to the workplace, which is, generally, seen as a formal setup, sans emotions or feelings. A change in such thinking, rather introduction of emotions into the workplace will automatically make it motivating.
Track Progress
Researchers have also found that the biggest motivation for anyone is the idea of progress. It is the knowledge of progress that ignites a passion to fulfil a task. The focus then should be on facilitating progress in meaningful work. Interestingly, progress here does not refer to the ultimate win; it is the consistent flow of small successes that act as a motivator. Reflecting on all the stepping stones of progress can work wonders in pushing one ahead towards the goal. It creates a persistent need to experience progress and thereby do what one has to do. When one spends time thinking over the little progress achieved, there is a sense of accomplishment that is induced to reach the set target. Lack of progress then can act as a dampener in the motivation quarters.
Stay Focused
What is in focus is easy to achieve; it brings things into the right perspective. On a day to day level, focus as a motivator becomes all the more significant when one sets goals for weight loss or physical fitness. It calls for dedication and commitment to stay focused and get inspired to reach the target. As experts suggest, what is important to stay motivated is to ask the ‘why’ question than the ‘what.’ Asking why – why one is doing what one is doing, will prove to be a catharsis; it will provide clarity and spur one to reach the target that much faster.
Happiness Counts
Happiness is a true motivation. What makes one happy will change how one sees a task; it will change the equation between work and passion. On an employment platform, it is job satisfaction that acts as a spur to wake up in the morning, get ready and rush to the office… It is the essence of happiness pegged on to the act that pushes one to perform and achieve.