What’s Your Motivator?
Think for a moment about which of the following statements most accurately represents where you are today:
- a) I’m in my current line of work because it makes me a lot of money or
- b) My current line of work is my passion and I love helping people in this way
The more you are aligned with what you love doing, the more you’re going to feel real to people, the more they’re going to trust you. Do a quick check in. Is your primary motivation for the line of work you’ve chosen:
- because it’s high-paying or
- you think it’s the simply best option available to you, or
- Some combination of a and b
If you answer yes to any of these, then you could be falling into an inauthenticity trap.
Please don’t interpret what I’m saying as “you can’t make a lot of money doing what you love.” Or that “you can’t love money and pursue money because you love it.” Though the love of money is not something I personally admire, there are people who have gained influence because they love money and are good at the pursuit of it. The focus here is on your primary motivator for why you do what you do. It’s cliché, but it’s important – Do what you love and Love what you do. Loving what you do is the foundation of Authenticity.
The number one mistake I see my students make inside the habit of authenticity is not aligning yourself with your passion. I’d also call this “practicing at business”. If you catch yourself making any of the following statements, you are likely making this mistake:
“I’m just doing this work temporarily until I can figure out how to do what I really love…”
“I’ve just started this smaller business to learn how to run a business, then I’ll move into something more challenging I really love.”
“Once I make enough money, then I’ll move into… That’s what I really want to do.”
Are you focusing on how you make money rather than focusing on the service that you want to bring to others? That’s not to say being of high service won’t make you a lot of money. Consider that if you’re just practicing at business, if you’re just doing some small “quick win” that no one really cares about, you’re going to have a lot of trouble making money. Why? Because nobody really cares about what you’re doing, including you.
In short – the influential will not take you seriously if you are inauthentic and only chase money or power. When influencers think you’re only chasing money and power, they don’t feel safe playing with you unless money and power is also what they love and chase. They will likely have their gatekeepers in the way of any relationship you’re trying to build. Know what you love and why you respect their work as a peer or they will lose respect for you.
The fix – give yourself permission to pursue what you love. Even if it’s baby steps in adjusting what you do.
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About Teresa de Grosbois
Teresa de Grosbois (say “de-Grow-bwa”) is the #1 international bestselling author of Mass Influence – the habits of the highly influential, which is now a bestseller in 7 countries. As the founder and chair of the Evolutionary Business Council, Teresa works with people around the world wanting to create grass roots change in communities and businesses. A four-time bestselling author, Teresa believes we can shift the thinking of society just by understanding how to generate the spread of positive word of mouth.
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Excellent advise Thanks