To implement the positive changes we would like to see in
order to make ourselves better time managers, we often revert to the ‘stick’ as
opposed to the ‘carrot’ approach. And
yet, behavioural research indicates that change does not take place when
punishment is the motivation! In order
for us to be effective and motivated human beings, positive lasting change
needs to come from intrinsic or
internal motivation. So how do we manage
this?
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| Your inner hedonist needn't be a monster |
As human beings we are naturally pain avoiding, pleasure
seeking creatures. Anyone who doubts
this, needs to merely observe a small baby.
As we get older, we develop emotions of guilt concerning self reward
based on philosophical and religious upbringings, and yet self reward is an
incredible motivating tool if used appropriately.
We all have inner hedonists.
If we deny our hedonists, the old adage “all work and no play makes Jack
a dull boy” not only becomes a reality, but makes us depressed, stressed and
unhappy individuals. Life is hard enough
as it is, we need to create opportunities for play and joy wherever possible –
even at work. By creating mini
milestones and opportunities for guilt free, well deserved self reward, we can
make any project rewarding, including those in which we are implementing
changes in our lives.
Your inner hedonist is here to stay. You can fight it and
suppress it, or you can use it as a tool to motivate. Research has indicated that self esteem
improves when one learns to reward and value the self, and I really do believe
that if we create meaningful opportunities to nurture our inner hedonist we
will not only feel better about ourselves as individuals, but we will be
happier, healthier and more successful as well.
As for me, I’m off to have a nice relaxing walk with my dog
as my ‘reward’ for writing this article. What will yours be today?
