The Three Layers of Motivation

Chances are those thoughts fall into one of two categories:  dread or joy.  If it’s joy we are more likely to hit the ground happy, alert and ready to conquer the day, but if it’s dread we tend to hit the snooze button, agonize about getting out of bed and immediately think of all the stress and anxiety that awaits us at work.

While it may seem like these are two extremes, they have one thing in common and that’s motivation.  When we’re motivated we tend to be excited about the day, but when we lack it we tend to dread it.  However, motivation is not an all-or-nothing thing.  Instead it’s a flow, and understanding the flow is important to keeping and maintaining our motivation indefinitely.

Motivation flows because there are three layers to it, giving it depth and the ability to fluctuate in various ways.  Here’s a breakdown of the three layers:

1.   The Core Layer:  Purpose.  At the heart of motivation is purpose.  Without this focus we are easily distracted, so it is what separates the motivated, the achievers, and the happy from those who are not, plus it is responsible for sustaining the other two layers of our motivation.

2.    The Second Layer:  Support.  The second layer of motivation is support.  Specifically, our supporters, cheerleaders and enablers.  They help maintain our motivation by reflecting and magnifying our core purpose; help us gather momentum and working to make things go smoothly along the way.

3.    The Third Layer:  Acknowledgement.  This is the surface layer of motivation, and is the layer of acknowledgement.  That acknowledgement can be recognition, validation and respect or it can be encouragement, feedback or constructive criticism.  They are all important and necessary to keep us moving forward.

4.    Sustaining our Core.  Since the core is the driving force for all three layers, it is important to keep it powered indefinitely, and happens with meaning and movement.

The easiest way to keep our meaning in check is to ask ‘why?’  If we can clearly articulate an answer as to why we’re doing something, our energy will be focused and directed toward that outcome.  When we can’t clearly articulate why we’re doing something our energy becomes scattered making it easier for us to lose momentum and ultimately our motivation.

The second part of sustaining our core is moving forward, and that doesn’t have to always come in huge leaps and strides.  Small steps count as progress and are worth celebrating.  It is when we stop moving that we begin to lose our motivation.

When our motivation is high we tend to just ride that wave without really thinking about what’s causing or contributing to it, but when it’s low we tend to struggle in the dark trying to get it back.  Understanding the various layers of motivation can help give us direction when we are in need of a boost, because it gives us various levels to target and they all affect each other.

I’m always excited to hear from you, so please email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

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