A Motivation Theory

Any good motivation theory has to recognize that we each get motivated differently. Neuro-linguistic or "NLP" programming practitioners take this into account in many ways. One of the more useful theories is the concept of "away-from" and "towards" personalities.

We each have both modes of operation as a part of the way we function, but often one is dominant in each of us. Those in who the "towards" motivation dominates will be more affected by thoughts of future rewards. Those with a primarily "away-from" motivational style, will be more affected by thoughts of escaping pain or trouble.

You can use this test to get an idea about which motivational style dominates your personality. Read the following two descriptions of what having millions of dollars could mean to you.

1. You are safe and secure. You never have to return to your job or do anything you don't want to do. You have the means to eliminate most of your problems easily. You have everything you need to be free and comfortable.

2. You have the house of your dreams, and your favorite car too. You buy anything you want for you and your friends, and you do what you want. You have the means to achieve any of your goals.

If you find the first description more compelling, you primarily have an "away-from" personality. If you are more motivated by the second description, you have a "towards" personality. There are good and bad points to both. "Towards" individuals make good entrepreneurs, for example, but often get into trouble because they don't plan well enough to avoid problems. "Away-from" individuals manage things well and avoid problems, but don't do as well at big goals.

How do you use this motivation theory and this knowledge about yourself to your advantage? Suppose you want to make more money and you are an "towards" person. You would want to envision the things you'll buy and do with that money, but also be aware that you may be glossing over the problems. If you are an "away-from" person, you'll need to continually remind yourself what a mess it will be if you fail. Otherwise you'll lose your motivation once you reach some level of comfort.

When you understand these two motivational styles, you can also influence others more easily. If you wanted to sell a new car to someone, for example, first determine if they are motivated away-from things or towards things. For the former, you might explain how this new car will mean no more used-car hassles, or how it will make life easier. For the latter, you would explain how great they'll look in it, or what it can do.

Go ahead and play with this theory. Practice using this knowledge to influence others, but don't forget to influence yourself. While it may be useful in understanding and influencing others, this is a motivation theory that is best used to affect your own self improvement.