Today I’m thinking about what motivates me and what motivates other people.  Especially since I’m tired and not entirely motivated to write a blog today.  😛

That’s because I was up till 4:30 am, with a brilliant idea to motivate and challenge some friends to join me in a kickball competition over the summer.  (From experience, I felt I had to get up and write the email before I completely forgot all the really good points I had to motivate them.)

There are a few planned activities at work that do not motivate me to participate.  Partly because I’m not sure what the benefit is (it’s not very clear why I want to join the book club) and partly because I’m looking for activities that do more than just have me meet other people.  It almost feels like a date, in that the pressure of that opening conversation is so intense and I’m not sure why.  I’d feel better if someone were to share how the networking gave them a different opportunity or a change they made as a result.

I’m looking for something that makes me feel good and causes me to grow, and does it without feeling like someone else is getting credit for my efforts.  I can think of several examples where that has happened, so I know it’s possible.  One of the factors that is motivating to me is when there is a plan and that plan is shared ahead of time, so expectations are clear.  I know what I’m getting for my participation.  I also like understanding what the progression is supposed to be.

I haven’t isolated other factors, so I’ll keep mulling over this and look for some amazing insights.  Hopefully not at 4:30 am again though. =)