Know What Motivates You at Work?

Whether you are going for a job interview or thinking about your future at 3 AM. It’s a common question that comes to mind: “What motivates you at work?”. We have all tried to answer this question. But it’s not always an easy question to answer. Some people just work for their next paycheck, while others are passionate about their work. It is not always easy to put into words what motivates us to work every day. In this blog, we will explore ways you can identify your motivations for work and how to find work that aligns with your personal values.

Motivation is a Myth

Surely, you’ve been at work on Monday morning and felt highly motivated to just push through the day and achieve your most ambitious goals. But by evening, you are left drained and wanting to quit work. It’s not just you. After all, you can not just rely on motivation to work. Motivation comes in waves and can fade away just as quickly. Here are the most common motivations at work and why they fade over time: 

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Paycheck 

Money is important for survival and the primary reason we go to work. And we all feel happy after getting a raise, but that happiness fades away quickly, doesn’t it? The new salary becomes the new normal. Your expenses increase, your lifestyle adjusts, and that extra money doesn’t feel exciting anymore.

Validation Addiction

We are all addicted to validation and wait for someone else to appreciate our work. When your worth is linked with external approval, your confidence goes down. You doubt your abilities and skills unless someone else validates them. Losing trust in yourself and constantly seeking praise. 

Fancy Titles

Most times at work, it’s easy to get attached to fancy titles without realising they just have extra responsibilities with poor compensation. At first, these titles sound impressive, but as the applause fades away, these titles don’t make your work meaningful. 

In truth, all these external motivators like money, praise, and titles only satisfy our ego. They can make us feel more successful and, at the same time, leave us feeling drained from the inside.

Finding True Motivation

If all these rewards for being motivated at work are temporary, then how can we find true motivation? The answer is to look inwards and find work that feels like play to you. It is doing something that matters to you, not because there is a reward for it, but because it feels right to you. It’s when you are not concerned with the outcome of the process rather, you find satisfaction and joy in doing the work itself. The three main pillars of lasting motivation are:

Ownership 

You are more likely to feel motivated when you are allowed to take ownership of your work. When you are allowed to take your ideas to execution without asking for approval for each step. The freedom to test your ideas and experiment with things actually boosts creativity and motivation.

Mastery 

Getting good at your work, even when it’s small wins, can make you feel more motivated than any external validation. Constantly getting better at your work gives a sense of accomplishment, making you feel more fulfilled. 

Purpose

When your work contributes to a purpose greater than your personal needs, you are naturally motivated to work harder. When you realise that you are helping someone out there, it becomes meaningful to work. So, try connecting your work to a bigger picture, something that feels worth waking up for every morning.

Motivation Toolkit

We’ve designed an easy 4-step motivation toolkit. So, next time someone asks “what motivates you at work?” you know what to say. Take a deep breath before starting and answer these questions honestly. 

1. What tasks feel effortless, and you lose track of time?
2. If money were not an issue, which part of your job would you still do? 
3. How does your work make a difference in other people’s lives?
4. What skills are you genuinely excited to learn?

Take your time to answer these questions and you will have a map of what actually motivates you at work. The goal of this exercise is to help you connect with your inner self, so you can finally stop searching for motivation. And do work that aligns with your goals and principles. 

Now, whenever you catch yourself losing motivation, realise that motivation is not random. It comes from staying disciplined towards your goals and working hard. As you start getting better at your work or achieve something meaningful, you’ll naturally be motivated to do even better. 

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FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation is what comes from within you, the drive to do something because the work itself fills you with joy. Extrinsic motivation relies on the expectation of a reward or praise. 

Q2. How can I have a consistent source of motivation?

The best way is not to rely on motivation entirely when working. Accept that you’ll not always be motivated to work and do it regardless. 

Q3. How to find what motivates you at work?

Stop relying on external awards for your motivation. Instead, find work that aligns with your interests and constantly practice to master your craft. 

Q4. Why is the motivation from money and titles temporary?

Money and titles can be motivating at first, but as you get used to your new salary or position, it becomes your baseline. Making you expect something more than what you have.