The psychology of motivation: It's like standing in front of a mirror and realizing that the person staring back at you is the one who truly matters, not the crowd applauding from behind.
It got me thinking...
I couldn’t help but wonder: do we pursue our passions for the intrinsic joy they bring, or are we merely chasing the applause of the crowd?
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often find ourselves grappling with motivation. As a therapist, I’ve seen the profound impact that the underlying reasons for our actions can have on our mental health and overall happiness. It all boils down to this: are we doing it for the cause or the applause?
One of my favorite dilemmas to dissect is the contrast between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The cause vs. the applause. Picture this: you’re standing on a stage, the spotlight is on you, and you’re about to give a performance of a lifetime. Are you there because you love the art of performance, the rush of creativity, the challenge of expressing yourself? Or are you there for the thunderous applause, the accolades, the validation from an adoring audience?
Take, for example, one of my client. She’s an artist who found herself in a creative slump. Initially, she painted for the sheer joy of it, losing herself in colors and canvases. But as her work gained recognition, she became fixated on likes, followers, and sales. The applause started to overshadow the cause. Her creativity waned, and she found herself frustrated and uninspired. It wasn’t until she returned to painting for herself, not for her audience, that her passion reignited.
Then there’s another client, a corporate lawyer who climbed the career ladder with impressive speed. From the outside, he had it all—prestige, a high salary, and a corner office. But inside, he was crumbling. His drive for external validation had left him feeling hollow. We worked together to rediscover his core values and passions. Eventually, he found fulfillment in pro bono work, using his skills to help those who couldn’t afford legal representation. The cause, not the applause, restored his sense of purpose.
The crux of the matter is this: when our actions are driven by the applause, we’re placing our happiness in the hands of others. We become dependent on external validation, and our sense of self-worth fluctuates with the whims of public opinion. But when we act for the cause, we are grounded in our own values and passions. Our motivation is intrinsic, and our sense of fulfillment comes from within.
In therapy, I often help clients untangle these motivations. We explore questions like: What brings you genuine joy? What are your core values? How do you define success on your own terms? These reflections are crucial in shifting the focus from external validation to internal satisfaction.
Now, let’s be real. We all love a little applause. The praise, the recognition—it feels good. But the trick is not to let it be the driving force behind our actions. The applause should be a delightful byproduct, not the primary goal.
Think of it this way: If you’re running a marathon, are you running because you love the challenge, the discipline, the health benefits? Or are you running because you want to post a medal-winning selfie on Instagram? The former is sustainable and fulfilling. The latter? A fleeting moment of validation.
So, how do we shift our focus from the applause to the cause? Start by reconnecting with your passions. Engage in activities that bring you joy, even if no one is watching. Set personal goals that align with your values. Celebrate your own progress, regardless of external recognition.
As I sit here, typing away in my favorite coffee shop, I can’t help but think about my own motivations. Why do I write? Is it for the likes, the shares, the glowing comments? Or is it because I love the art of weaving words, the thrill of connecting with readers on a deeper level?
In the end, the answer is clear. Do it for the cause, not the applause. Because when the applause fades, the cause remains, grounding us in our true selves.
And as I finish my coffee and ponder my next microaction, I can’t help but wonder: what drives you? The cause or the applause? Choose wisely, and you might just find that the applause follows naturally when you’re truly passionate about the cause.
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