Motivational Maps is a self-perception tool designed to identify both what motivates a person, and how satisfied those motivators are. It’s a powerful tool not only for providing insight into what drives a person, but also for starting in-depth conversations about how people are doing in their workplace and/or place of education.
By comparing my map from June 2018 to my map from April 2019, I’m able to talk about some major changes that have occurred in myself as I am coming to the end of my undergraduate degree.
Whilst you may not relate to my university experiences, I hope that you will find something relatable about my internal changes and experiences, made so much clearer by using Motivational Maps. This will hopefully serve not only as an article conveying my belief in Motivational Maps, but (more importantly) will highlight that major changes in motivation are possible and should be strived for.
Without including all the fancy graphics and numerical insights of an actual map, I nonetheless want to paint a picture of stability. What? But this is called ‘Change in Motivation’, not ‘Motivation is Set like Concrete’? You are undoubtedly correct, but there will be change. I promise!
Within Motivational Maps there are three main clusters of motivators. When the growth cluster is dominant, this alludes toward future planning, and a desire to have the freedom to make meaningful change or creative contributions. The foundations of why this is so strong for me will be explored shortly, but as a student looking to the future hoping to change lives, it is no surprise that the Growth cluster comes out on top.
As mentioned, clusters are determined by how important the motivators are, and I have a spike in the importance of my Searcher motivator. The Searcher motivator, part of this Growth cluster, is all about making a difference in some way to the world around us; the spike simply means it scores highly and so it is a very important motivator to me.
Between June 2018 and April 2019, not only was this constant, but so were my other two top motivators, and my bottom motivator (the Builder). The maps have highlighted that I want to make a difference, have mastery over what I do, and be close to who I work with, whilst not being driven to work harder by money or material benefits. This is undeniably accurate for me!
So why is there so little change in these clusters and motivators?
Well, there is little reason for them to have changed. In the time between completing these maps I have remained a student, and so my aims and roles are largely the same. When I move away next year and encounter a new lifestyle they will likely change; Builder will probably increase importance as I can no longer live the student life and will need to make a living!
This lack of change in motivators is not a good or bad thing, but the change in motivation level discussed below is certainly good for me.
Levels of Motivation
I promised you change, and here it is. Motivational Maps not only tells you about what motivates you, but also about how motivated you are feeling with those in mind. Really value friendships at work but the workplace culture doesn’t encourage socialising? It’s likely that you will be demotivated.
But what do I actually know about this?
In June 2018, my motivation level was classified as in the ‘Action Zone’. What this tends to mean is that all three top motivators (Searcher, Expert, and Friend in my case) are de-motivated; motivation this low usually requires decisive action, big changes, and can often be an indicator of personal struggles. As you may have guessed, during June of 2018 I was not on cloud nine, but what is remarkable is that my map identified this. Even more impressively, as I have begun to feel more motivated and excited to make the most of each day since then, my maps have agreed!
In April 2019 I was in a much better place, completed another Motivational Map, and would be classified as being in the ‘Boost Zone’. There is still room for improvement, but each day feels more energised, happy, and fulfilling. Why? I feel like I’m making more of a difference in my jobs which satisfies my Searcher motivator, by reaching out to friends my Friend motivator is more satisfied, and by engaging more with my studies the satisfaction of my Expert motivator has been boosted. By making changes since June 2018, as the map indicated I should, my motivation levels are different, as is my outlook on life.
So Now What?
So, now you know lots about what drives me, and that change is possible. What now?
Well, it is simple! If you feel like you don’t know what drives you through each day, try out a Motivational Map! An accurate tool that can help you understand yourself is invaluable, especially if you have doubts about what you’re looking for from your role. I have no doubt that I will be completing another Map when I leave university to find out how what I value, changes! Whether you have changed role recently or have been working the same job (or subject in my case) for a while, knowledge about yourself can only be beneficial.
Furthermore, if you think you need to start a conversation about how motivated you do, or don’t feel, then go for it! I would of course recommend Motivational Maps as I have first-hand experience with how powerful they are, but don’t feel that it has to stop there. Small increases in motivation at work, university, or home life can permeate every other aspect of life, and self-perception is the first step. Don’t hesitate to take ownership for your own motivation; meaningful change is possible.
If you would like more details about Motivational Maps or would like to complete a map, then please get in touch, or check out Motivated Performance. Have a fantastic day!