A pandemic fueled by wishful thinking and irresponsible choices. Racial injustice exacerbated by self-serving
motives that inhibit empathy and compassion. Catastrophic climate changes accelerated by a
lack of commitment to the well-being of those beyond our immediate experience.
To many, these threats feel overwhelming – even
apocalyptic. Yet our species has
overcome many formidable challenges in our evolutionary history. Indeed, when we look at how humans evolved,
it is evident that we have been endowed with “super powers” that have enabled
us to survive a wide range of environmental perils and societal conflicts.
What are these super powers? There are many manifestations of the evolved assets that have made it possible for humans to soar above all other species. Yet, as we explain in Motivating Self and Others: Thriving with Social Purpose, Life Meaning, and the Pursuit of Core Personal Goals, at the foundation of humanity’s success are motivational systems that, when amplified and infused with social purpose, create the conditions for optimal functioning.
The psychological forces that collectively inspire
“motivation at its (human) best” are available to each and every one of us –
not just to those with unique talents or special training. We just need to be more intentional about
cultivating the qualities that make up what we call the Thriving with Social Purpose (TSP)
pattern of motivation and optimal functioning – namely:
- An Active
Approach goal orientation – a persistent bias toward initiating
goal-directed action and moving toward desired outcomes (as opposed to reactive
and avoidant goal orientations)
- Personal
Optimism – a way of thinking about personal capabilities that combines optimism
about future goal striving with realism about current circumstances
- Mindful
Tenacity – a way of thinking about environmental supports and resources
that combines hope, strategy, persistence, and realism about obstacles and
constraints
- Emotional
Wisdom – harnessing the power of emotions to optimize their impact on goal
seeking, which requires self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to adjust
emotions and associated actions as circumstances change
- Social
Purpose – seeking to accomplish something that is larger than yourself and
of benefit to others, while being careful not to neglect your own needs as you
focus on others
The impact of these TSP
modes of functioning is often transformative, both for individuals and for
the families, communities, and societies that provide our lives with sustenance
and meaning.
TSP patterns can be hard to engineer when there are
inhibiting factors influencing motivation, yet the resulting upward spirals of aspiration
and achievement are widely evident both in human history and in our everyday
lives. That is because motivation is at
the core of all consequential human
activity. It is the key to effective
parenting. It is at the heart of the
teaching and learning process. It is the
central dynamic in organizational success.
It is the essence of visionary leadership. It is an essential contributor to healing and
well-being, as well as a reliable source of life meaning.
Success in all of these life domains is highly dependent on
developing Thriving with Social Purpose as a “home page” motivational approach
to life’s challenges. That is evident
when we look at the TSP qualities of first responders, health professionals,
and research teams focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. Or at the TSP leaders who
are courageously fighting culturally embedded racism and injustice. Or at the scientists, engineers, and influencers
whose lives have become transformed by a TSP-fueled quest to curb climate change.
To paraphrase the legendary songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David, “what the world needs now” is more TSP, in our society at large and, especially, in those who are making decisions about the safety, security, and well-being of future generations.
Latest Comments
Have your say!