Impact

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

What is the underlying motivation behind everything you do?

With a growing fascination in understanding what drives human motivation and behaviours, twelve months ago I begin to ask the guests on my podcast the above question. The answers have been wonderful and surprisingly very consistent. One common theme is the desire to serve, help others and have an impact.

Why am I so interested in what motivates us? I suppose I am deeply curious about human behaviour. It may be a reason to scratch my own itch. Trying to understand why I do, think and say the things that I do. Perhaps I am walking a path of enlightenment or travelling on a road to nowhere, a journey never-ending.

Maybe it’s simply a matter of progress. With a more significant understanding on what drives me, what motivates others, why I am inclined to act on some things and not on other things, and importantly what is the purpose of life, if any, maybe I will be able to selfishly progress and grow.

And then, one could ask, what is the purpose of progress? A fine question. I say always dig a little deeper and the best way to do that is to ask why. Why is progress important?

Firstly, I believe progress is about the enhancement of the outcomes in our life, on the individual level and globally. If I have more knowledge and skill I could improve the quality of life. My overall wellbeing. It could lead to the attainment of more resources, material possessions, assets, capital and these elements may indeed enhance many aspects of life. Better food, shelter, water – the fundamentals. Not to mention those luxuries that find dear pleasure in having and experiencing.

Much of this could be viewed as very selfish in its pursuit, however, I’d argue that the progress of human evolution and society has benefited our global population dramatically. The advances we’ve had in the last few hundred years has positively transformed much of the way many of us live. Even though the media would have us believe otherwise, with its “if it bleeds, it leads” policy that promotes negative news. The global standard of living has improved.

I do not suggest we neglect to continue our progression, the improvement of our standards of living, and working together to discover ways to tackle some of the major global issues we all face – the advancement of tech and AI, and global warming for example. There are many challenges and still much work to do.

What I do believe is that progress can be used as an opportunity to improve the outcomes in many selfless ways. If your growth improves your standard of living, perfect! If it can also be used to help others and have an impact, even better.

We all have selfish human wants and needs that motivate us to progress. That drives us to behave as we do. It is our nature. As Gary Vaynerchuck explains in his book, Crushing It, is that it ok to be driven by selfish needs for a reason of improving one’s outcomes.

He further explains that what he has found is that altruistic pursuit, characterised by a commitment to serve, a desire to provide value and a passion for teaching, is what really separates those entrepreneurs who have created success and those who do not. According to Gary Vee, the source of one’s success lies in how much they care.

Vaynerchuk suggests that altruistic motivation needs to be behind 51% or more of why we do what we do. By all means, pursue your selfish desires and aim to improve the outcomes in life that matter to you but bat more strongly to find ways to help others. A word of warning, as Vaynerchuk suggests, altruistic intent cannot be faked. Don’t use it as a tactic for selfish needs and wants.

I believe altruism is more aligned with having an impact than trying to improve one’s outcomes. Both require growth and progress. The online dictionary defines altruism as disinterest and selfless concern for the well-being of others. To have an impact is to serve others with pure intent.

Seth Godin, in his book, This is Marketing, teaches us that if you have something of value, something that others need, the best way to market yourself is through permission marketing – an ability to gain an audiences consent to advertise goods and services.

It opposes traditional marketing tactics that interrupt and aims to steal people’s attention in favour of gaining trust, support and building relationships with an audience by offering something of value. It encourages positive word of mouth and because people see that you care and are genuinely interested in making a difference, backed by good intent, they support you and others will support you.

Vaynerchcuk appears to agree, writting, “It is the best marketing strategy ever.” Again, your intent must be pure. You must want to serve and have an impact.

Since starting this podcast, I have always said to others and still have to poke myself sometimes, that when your why or the reason for your pursuit in life is backed my selfish intent, you will not last.

The outcomes you hope to achieve and the success you desire to create will likely be short-lived and not sustainable. Yes, it is human to chase short-term outcomes but having an impact and serving others is a long-term game.

Helping others and having an impact is hard work and it takes time. Unlike short-term goals, it is harder to define and measure. The impact you desire may be abstract at the beginning and a little unclear and that is ok. You have to start somewhere but always ask yourself why.

If you discover that your reason is more about short-term, selfish pursuits, like financial gain or the accumulation of greater material processions then think again and reassess. You may have to start and fail a few times before you understand whether what you chase is due to selfish motives and what is done for selfless reasons. I’ve been there and done that.

I truly believe that you will become clearer as you take action. As we progress, we should better understand what we value. How our skills and character could be used to serve, teach and provide value to others. It must be something we commit to without selfish intent.

In time you will be better able to answer the question, what is the underlying motivation behind everything I do? When you begin to notice more of what you do is motivated by an altruistic urge than you will start to notice how you are having an impact. That is about the time many more positive outcomes in your personal life will begin to flourish, too.

Before I close I would love to ask you the same question – What is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? If you have the time and wouldn’t mind, please email me your response here with a brief explanation as to why. I’ll be sure to respond.

In the next post, I wish to explore further why we have this tendency to lean towards altruistic endeavours. Other than the trendiness or as a tactic for marketing, why is having an impact in life an underlying motivation of human beings?

Until then, peace, passion and purpose.

Leave your thoughts, comments and questions below. Reach out directly by email of social media. Peace, Passion & Purpose. 

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves.

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocat

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United Stat

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.