You know about intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. But let’s talk about something less conventional: experiential motivation. This is motivation with skin in the game, where you take yourself or your team to places that ignite the “I gotta have it” or “I gotta avoid it” kind of fire.
The Dark Reality: A Visit to a Poorly Run Old Folks Home
Imagine taking your sales team to a poorly managed elderly home. The place is a mess, the air is heavy, and the mood is gloomy. Why? Because it’s a stark reminder of what can happen if you don’t hustle. No one wants to end up in a place like this, or put their parents here because they couldn’t make enough money to do better. It’s the gut-punch motivation that wakes you up and tells you to get moving.
The Bright Side: Elegance and Luxury
Flip the script. Next week, you visit an elite elderly home—the kind with marble countertops and piano recitals. Then you have dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant and take a weekend retreat at a high-end resort. These experiences have you salivating for the lifestyle you could have. It’s the kind of motivation that makes you jump out of bed because you’re eager to chase that life.
The Power of "Two"
Want to amplify this effect? Bring in the spouses or partners. The motivation isn’t just individual now; it becomes a household agenda. And believe me, when you have two people in a home with aligned goals fueled by real experiences, the drive doubles.
The Naysayers and the Exceptions
Now, let’s not be naive. Some people might call this manipulative or ineffective. That’s okay. What works like a charm on one person might leave another unimpressed. The point is, those who get it, really get it. And their performance will more than compensate for the few who don’t catch the fire.
The Transformational Shift
This isn’t about quick thrills; it’s about a seismic shift in perspective. These experiences can ingrain themselves into your subconscious, forcing you to unconsciously align your actions to achieve that lifestyle. This isn’t just speculation; it’s proven. Take it from me, and the scores of people who have seen their lives change after they knew what they were aiming for.
Conclusion
Motivation isn’t a one-time deal. It’s an ongoing process, influenced by the world around you. So why not take control of those influences? Use experiences to stoke the fire of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.
Motivation Fuel Worksheet
- List down experiences that made you feel uncomfortable but motivated you to change
- List down experiences that have you craving for a specific lifestyle.
- Identify ways to share these experiences with your team or partner.
