This is a good question – What is it that drives us to work harder, and more importantly work better? What makes us more creative, more productive and more satisfied with the work that we do?
As it turns out it is not money, or promotion, or the bonuses that we get at the end of the month. In fact, four decades of scientific research on human motivation shows that the carrot-and-stick approach is highly ineffective, both in business, and at home, when dealing with your children.
The true secret to high performance and satisfaction—at work, at school, and at home—does not lie in external rewards. It is based on the urge to direct our own lives (autonomy), the desire to get better and better at something that matters (mastery), and the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves (purpose).
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[Autonomy] Jesus said, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free... Most assuredly I tell you, everyone who lives in sin is the bondservant of sin. A bondservant doesn't live in the house forever. A son remains forever. If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:31~36)
[Mastery] I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
[Purpose] And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23)
As it turns out it is not money, or promotion, or the bonuses that we get at the end of the month. In fact, four decades of scientific research on human motivation shows that the carrot-and-stick approach is highly ineffective, both in business, and at home, when dealing with your children.
The true secret to high performance and satisfaction—at work, at school, and at home—does not lie in external rewards. It is based on the urge to direct our own lives (autonomy), the desire to get better and better at something that matters (mastery), and the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves (purpose).
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[Autonomy] Jesus said, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free... Most assuredly I tell you, everyone who lives in sin is the bondservant of sin. A bondservant doesn't live in the house forever. A son remains forever. If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:31~36)
[Mastery] I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
[Purpose] And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23)
