Motives Matter- Part 4

Hello, loyal readers! I don’t know if I have mentioned this to you often enough. At this moment, I want to pause and say to you this. YOU ARE VALUABLE to me. The whole motive of this blog is to bring to you value in what I write. I hope this time together is seen as a gift for you.

We are now down to the two last motives that thrust us into action. This motive is one that many experience in their lives. What do you think it is? If you guess fear, you are 100% correct! This motive compels us to avoid the consequence or risk by changing our behavior while we actively and fearfully engage to limit the uncomfortable sensation.

The fear motive underscores the insecurities, low self-esteem, failure, rejection, and impostor syndrome that we may be dealing with. As we uncover “why” this is the root cause of our actions, we not only expose it but uproot it. PRONTO! Overcoming fear is liberating. YOU and I have the strength to achieve it.

The last motive but the most significant and powerful is authenticity. What is the underlying motivational factor which drives people to move into action? Authenticity is being true to one’s values, beliefs, and principles and consistently acting in alignment with them. It is not only in communication but also in actions and decisions.

With this motive, there are no hidden agendas, no strings attached, no self-seeking merit, power or unjust financial gains. Courage and vulnerability are the driving force. It inspires loyalty and engagement where integrity, ethics, and morals are not questioned because it has been validated. Regardless of the pressure to act otherwise, it is not swayed.

Although it is respectful to others’ perceptions or perceived judgements, it will not allow others to shape their actions. The core factor for this motive is love. Love for who they are, love for others, and love for the environment that they impact and influence. Let us search our hearts, uncover our real reasons for what we do. Motives Matters!

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.” Proverbs 21:2

Peace, Love, and Joy!

Sandra Ivette Miranda

Motives Matters – Part 3

Hello, loyal readers! It truly has been a wonderful discovery about what drives us to do what we do. Motives are the engines that cause us to move into action in our lives. As we continue to investigate the last three motives, let us reflect on what we have learned thus far.

Position, power, and prestige motives are strong influences that cause us to believe that we are doing it for the good of others. As wise people, it is important to search within us the pertinent questions to determine the validity of the truth. Am I doing this for myself for validation, worth, control, and/or self-satisfaction?

If you were to remove those factors, would you still do the actions? If no one knew it was you doing it or involved in it, would you still be part of it at all? The turmoil that exists is the innate desire to be recognized as a person. We value as individuals. Who you are and what you do matters.

However, the motives underlying it will influence and impact the outcome of the efforts demonstrated and established. With this said, the fourth motive is money. Money can be viewed in various ways by so many people. For some it is the source of security that will shield them from uncertainties of life.

For others, the perception is that it will provide happiness and solve many of their problems and bring them to a blissful future. Money can also be seen as a tool to be able to enable them to establish a stable foundation for themselves, their families, and the community they live in.

Let us be cautious about this motive! Do not let the heart love money above everything else. Be persistent and diligent to uncover the evil seed of greed that wants to enter and bring forth destruction. Do not let money be attached to your worth. Money will come and go. Regardless of anything external, Wealth is within You!

“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18

Peace, Love, and Joy!

Sandra Ivette Miranda

Motives Matters – Part 2

Hello, loyal readers! So glad we are together again to continue our talk about motives. But wait! For those of you who have not read the previous blog, please take a moment to read it before diving into this one. Believe me, you don’t want to miss a thing!

In the previous blog, we first found out the meaning of the word motive. This brought to remembrance the significance of the meaning so I can answer the question. Also, I wrote about the importance of good reason and the real reason to be one in the same. Although this should seem obvious, at times it is good to be reminded of it.

What are the motives that drive people to do what they do? Let’s dive deep into this question. Are you ready? Excellent! Identifying the reasons for our actions will give us an internal perspective to evaluate and analyze. When we understand and confront our own intentions, we then can adjust so we can be authentic with ourselves and others.

The first reason some will do what they do is for position. In and of itself it is not a bad thing. Position can grant you the opportunity to positively impact others in a greater capacity. However, it is when adding value of others is secondary that will be detrimental. The focal point should be to be beneficial to those under your leadership.

The power motive is the second reason for those that desire to have an impact on other people, to affect their behavior or emotions. One can influence others to follow the vision and purpose desired. With this motive comes great responsibility. It is crucial not to be self-seeking but to truly look internally at the why in our heart.

The third motive people have that impacts themselves and others is prestige. Prestige is the desire for voluntary regard obtained through others’ admiration and respect particularly for one’s valued skills and knowledge.

It is an insatiable ego food that needs to be starved. Why? We are more than ENOUGH. It is not accolades, respect, or admiration that define us! We will continue our next blog with the last two motives. See you then!

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

Peace, Love, and Joy!

Sandra Ivette Miranda