I attended a seminar last week. It was called, Get Motivated. The speaker list was impressive. Dr. Robert Schuller looked fabulous. What is he now, 100-years-old? I don't even remember what he said, I was so impressed by how great he looked. General Colin Powell was charming, handsome, smart and funny. He was my favorite speaker. Laura Bush was graceful and sincere. Her example is her motivation.
Tamara Lowe, provided some of the most interesting information. At least it was for me. She talked about motivational DNA. Motivational DNA dictates how you are best motivated, she said, and there are three categories for the DNA. Her book tells more.
Here are some bullet points from my notes:
1. Drive: The focus to mobilize. You are production oriented or you are connection motivated.
2. Needs: What you need to move. You need stability or you need variety.
3. Awards: How you like to be rewarded. You need internal recognition or you need external recognition.
This all made a lot of sense to me. The awards category especially clicked with me. I never liked external recognition. I would blush and get flustered. I felt embarrassed. I remember in second grade, I received all A's on my final report card. My teacher, Sister Joan, told the class that one person got all A's. I sat at my desk quietly pleased. Sister Joan knew me well. She knew I was smart but she knew I was shy. She knew I would have been embarrassed if she made me stand up or even said my name in regard to the best report card in the class. As for the other students, they could look at their own card and see how they measured up. It was good motivation for everyone. Through experience, I have learned to graciously accept external awards. I even enjoy the attention sometimes. But that is not why I do what I do. I want to feel inside that I am doing my best and making a difference.
I also liked that Tamara said being one way or the other is not a character flaw. People who are motivated by external awards are not flawed. It is just how they are, so reward them that way. People who are embarrassed by public attention are not flawed, so don't tell them to be proud.
Self awareness is wonderful. Being aware of what makes others get motivated and adapting to what others need is amazing. Be amazing today!
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