To gain success, it would seem understandable that the more
motives, the better, no?
Not so fast.
The motivation we draw on to do our work will shape the
level of success we reach, and multiple motives often compete, according to researchers
at Yale University. In addition, those people
driven by an “internal”, intrinsic motivation are more likely to succeed than
those driven by an “instrumental”, extrinsic, or “add-on” motivation.
“Internal” motivation is intrinsic to an activity, such as a
lawyer motivated by a desire to champion justice or a doctor motivated to heal. A goal of becoming wealthy might be considered
an “instrumental” or “add-on” motivation.
In a 14-year study of more than 10,000 West Point cadets,
who intrinsically strive to become leaders, Yale Professors Amy Wrzesniewski
and Thomas Kolditz found that the better leaders in their careers had been
driven by strong internal motives as opposed to those cadets who had a
combination of motives. Cadets who matriculated
at West Point with a focus on having a high-paying career were more apt not to receive
promotions or even to graduate.
The study, published in the current issue of Proceedings of
the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that “holding multiple motives
damages persistence and performance in educational and occupational contexts over
long periods of time”.
For information about Dr. Droge's book, BRIGHTEN UP, CLICK HERE
