Humans are complex. Both internal and external forces motivate us. I would like to understand better why we do the things we do. Here are some possibilities.
We make decisions based on our Identities. If I think of myself as the kind of person who works out, I might be more motivated to exercise regularly.
We develop Habits. I’ve got a routine that makes it easy for me to brush my teeth each morning. One of my goals is to continue to create healthier habits.
We each have different Experiences. Based on what I’ve learned, I tend to crave certain things that make me feel good or somehow improve my life. For example, I’ve learned to love eating everything bagels with cream cheese!
We make decisions to maintain Stability in our lives. I don’t want to lose our home! I like knowing that I can depend on my family and friends.
We also make decisions to avoid Boredom or to choose Adventure. Sometimes, I want to rock the boat. I don’t want to be stuck in a rut. I want to believe that there’s more for me in this life.
We may desire Newness. One of the reasons I long to travel is that I love new experiences! Just the thought of something new fills me with anticipation.
We may cave in to Peer Pressure. Like a good little Lemming, I might have another drink if everyone else is doing it too!
Sometimes, we feel a sense of Obligation. When my family wants me to join them for a given holiday, I may not find a compelling reason to do anything else. (Just for the record, I do enjoy spending holidays with my family!)
We can feel compelled to act out of our sense of Justice. Why do I try to greet people with a smile? It’s the right thing to do! Of course, it’s somewhat inconvenient that not everyone has the same sense of justice. What’s fair to me may not seem quite so fair to you!
We often act out of Necessity. This one’s tricky. Sometimes, I feel like I have limited choices. I have to make enough money to support my family. I have to pay the bills, even if some of those bills are not as important to me as they are to others.
We make some choices based purely on Convenience. It’s easier for me to hire a CPA than to attempt completing our taxes on my own. And no one can convince me to do oil changes instead of relying on Grease Monkey!
At times, we may act out of our sense of Heroism. I am proud that I got a Master’s degree in physics. I want to be seen as someone who should be emulated.
We also need to consider the role of Opportunity. I feel like I owe it to my family to fulfill my potential. So many others haven’t been lucky enough to go to good schools or to be born in a place where they are encouraged to follow their dreams.
We often want Recognition. I’ve fallen into the trap of thinking that people will love me if I just get good enough grades or make enough money. It turns out that enough is an ever-changing goal.
We tend to react out of Fear. If I don’t do what they want, I might be punished! (Even so, I have to say that I prefer the carrot to the stick.)
We may want Revenge. When I feel I’ve been wronged, I might want to repay you for what you did to me. Or not. I tend to recognize this pattern in others more than in myself.
We might succumb to Ennui. When I don’t know what else to do, don’t blame me for my actions!
Occasionally, we just want a bit of Amusement. I like to play piano because it’s enjoyable. You can’t find fault with me for this!
There are so many things that we do in the name of Love. I can’t imagine not wanting to care for the people I love.
I could go on and on. Marketing influences our buying choices. Loneliness, Anxiety, Depression, Elation, and more come into play.
I don’t pretend to understand even half of the reasons why I do what I do. Nevertheless, it’s definitely worth considering!
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