Motivation, Self and Resilience
Understanding our motives, and finding sustained motivation
by: Peter Torr Smith
27th September, 2018
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Enspiral Dev Academy - Blog Questions
The 'pleasure, passion and purpose' lens?
Tony Hsieh, of the Zappos shoe and clothing company, describes Three types of happiness:
- Pleasure - chasing the next high or instant gratification or approval
- Passion, or flow - where the work we are doing matches our skill but is still challenging and engaging
- Purpose - being a part of something larger than ourselves
He observes that many people spend a lot of time seeking pleasure, occasionally experiencing flow, and once in a while think about higher purpose. He suggests the opposite is more satisfying, where we focus on higher purpose, sometimes enjoying flow, and every now and again enjoy some shorter-term reward or pleasure.
This way of looking at where our focus and energy is being placed is useful to self-check ourselves on how well-founded our sense and sources of happiness are.
I certainly do find myself focusing a bit too much on 1 and 2, though getting into flow is particularly satisfying and productive. I see 3, purpose, is more about being selfless, on the needs of others, which when I do free myself up to do, does give a deeper level of satisfaction.
Discovering values and higher purpose
A journaling exercise was recommended for us to capture some of our values and thoughts on purpose.
My core values
- Being true to myself
- Being honest with people
- Being gentle on myself
- Being gentle with others
- Integrity and honesty
- Listening more than talking
- Being nice to each other
- Being responsible for my actions and results
Some of the Things I stand for
- Those that are not present to defend themselves
- Picking up rubbish
- Doing the right thing
