What Motivates You to Do a Good Job? - Deepstash

What Motivates You to Do a Good Job?

In the great expanse of the human condition, one enduring question has been, "What motivates us to do a good job?" This single query has haunted the corridors of corporate buildings and home offices alike.

Deepstash Team β€’ 3 minute read

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Often disguised as a casual interview question, it indeed holds the secret to unlocking an individual's highest potential and passion. So whether you are an employer trying to understand your employees or a self-reflective individual pondering this philosophical quandary, let's embark on this exploratory journey together! (And don't worry, we promise to sprinkle some humor along the way!)

Exploring the Core Motivations

When we ponder the question, "What motivates you to work hard?" we're essentially asking about the driving forces that ignite the spark in our professional lives. For some, it could be the prospect of a promotion or the enthralling challenge of problem-solving. Others might be driven by the opportunity to learn new skills, make a difference, or the pure love of collaboration. Of course, let's not forget the classic motivatorβ€”getting paid so you can buy that ridiculously oversized inflatable flamingo for your pool party this summer!

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Harnessing Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation, the inner desire to perform a task because it's rewarding in itself, is a key factor in doing a good job. Nurturing this motivation can lead to increased satisfaction, productivity, and success. It's not just about achieving external rewards, but pursuing personal growth, learning, and development.

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The Top 3 Motivators at Work

Ah, the age-old question, "What are the top 3 motivators?" Well, the answer is as diverse as our Netflix watch lists. However, based on a wholly unscientific poll we took at the water cooler, here are the frontrunners:

  1. Growth: Both personal and professional growth serve as powerful motivators. The opportunity to develop, learn new things, and advance in one's career can be extremely invigorating.
  2. Recognition: Who doesn't enjoy a little pat on the back now and then? Recognition of one's efforts often serves as a great catalyst for continued excellent performance.
  3. Purpose: The feeling of contributing to something larger than oneself, making a difference, or serving a higher purpose is an incredible motivator for many.

Four Fundamental Reasons Why People Work

When asked, "What motivates you to join our company?" or "Why do you work?" individuals often reflect on four key motivations:

  1. Economic Stability: Let's be honest. Money matters. It helps us afford the necessities of life, and then some. Like those adorable matching Christmas sweaters for you and your dog.
  2. Self-fulfillment: Work provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It's that warm fuzzy feeling when you complete a project or solve a challenging problem.
  3. Social Interaction: Workplaces are social hubs. The camaraderie, collaboration, and occasional cake on birthdays is a big part of why people work.
  4. Personal Growth: Jobs provide avenues for learning, skill-building, and overall personal development.

How to Answer the "Motivation" Question in an Interview

When faced with the question, "What motivates you?" in an interview, especially in an Indeed interview, stay calm and remember these three steps:

  1. Reflect: Consider what truly drives you and makes you love your work.
  2. Relate: Link your motivators to the job you're applying for. Show how your motivations align with the role and the company's objectives.
  3. Reveal: Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your motivations in action.

Remember, honesty is the best policyβ€”unless you're motivated solely by the office's free donuts; maybe downplay that one a little.

Daily Motivation: The Secret Ingredient to Success

A lingering question many of us have is, "What motivates you to work every day?" Some may say it's the fear of the dreaded "unread emails" notification. But on a more profound level, daily motivation often stems from personal goals, passion for the work, the joy of contributing to a team, and the ongoing pursuit of success.

How to Self-Motivate: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're wondering, "How can I motivate myself to work?" here are a few tips:

  1. Set Clear Goals: Having a clear direction keeps you focused.
  2. Break Down Tasks: Large tasks can be overwhelming. Break them down into manageable pieces.
  3. Celebrate Small Wins: Give yourself a high-five (figuratively, unless you're into that) for each small victory.
  4. Maintain a Positive Environment: A clean workspace, some motivational quotes, and a plant named Bob can do wonders for your motivation!

The Exciting Aspect of Work: A Personal Perspective

Finally, when considering what you're most excited about work, it's often a very personal and subjective matter. It could be the thrill of innovation, the pleasure of collaboration, the joy of helping clients, or even the simple delight of a well-organized spreadsheet (you Excel wizards, you).

In conclusion, motivation is an intensely personal matter, reflecting our values, goals, and aspirations. It's about finding what ignites our passion and using that spark to drive our actions, ensuring that we're not just working, but thriving and growing. Whether it's inflating that oversized flamingo or mastering the perfect spreadsheet, it's all about what motivates you to do a good job. Happy self-discovery!

Unleashing Your True Potential With Deepstash's Curated Collections

Having covered the personal aspects of what motivates you to do a good job, let's delve into the broader context of motivation. Exploring additional resources that touch on related topics could provide deeper insights and potentially unlock new levels of understanding and strategies to boost your motivation. The Deepstash platform offers an array of reading collections, two of which are particularly relevant:

  1. How to Become a Quick Learner: This collection could offer valuable insights into how learning agility could further motivate you to do a good job. If you understand how to rapidly acquire new skills and knowledge, you may find more enjoyment in your tasks and challenges, thus fueling your motivation.
  2. The Psychology of Willpower: Willpower is a key component of self-motivation. Understanding the psychology behind it can help you build and maintain motivation over time, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. This collection offers key insights into the nature of willpower, how it works, and how you can strengthen yours.
  3. Boost Your Emotional Intelligence: Discover how improving emotional intelligence can significantly enhance your motivation and performance in the workplace.
  4. Making Remote Work, Work: With the increasing trend of remote work, learning to stay motivated and do a good job despite the lack of physical office environment is an essential skill to master.

These collections provide different angles on motivation and productivity, and exploring them could enrich your understanding and practical approach to maintaining motivation in your work.

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