Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

We know more the motivated brain, and about motivation as the key to quality work. But what inspires some people more than others? More importantly – how do successful people sustain personal prompts, long after others give up? 

Yesterday I saw unique motivation in Killarney, Ireland, as two border collies raced up and down the side of a steep hill to round up several brands of sheep. It dawned on me that motivation is not a magical instinct - but it can be learned by any who apply a few tactics.

These dogs showed how it works.

Interestingly, no rewards go with their training and each race for the sheep also comes without treats. Yet an inner motivation to round up sheep showed an amazing precision. Here’s my question -- why do border collies maintain such focus and enthusiasm as if each race up to get sheep down threw mountain was the first adventure of its kind?

Here are 4 motivation tips the Irish shepherd and his border collies taught me:

1. Value unique abilities … and at the same time respect limitations. Sheep dogs learn four signals only … left – right – forward - stop. Each trip up the rolling hill offered the dogs another opportunity to use their unique skills to gather sheep. Any limitations paled beside these dogs’ enthusiastic attitude and skill with four sounds from a shepherd and a bunch of sheep to corral.

2. Change one key approach to solving a complex problem. When one direction fails to work - change an approach that will enhance a solution. It doesn’t matter what’s changed, as long as motivation follows to achieve it. When the sheep failed to move forward – the dogs simply prod them from opposite angles.   

3. Hang in after some give up especially on a complicated project. Work the left, run the stairs, crank the corners – push forward until results emerge. Tackle as many hurdles as it takes – because when it comes to the human brain -  perseverance is a harbinger of lasting motivation.

4. Bust the biggest barriers by sticking to clear targets until you see successful outcomes step – by – step.  Your brain takes its cues from your belief about success. That’s why nothing is more powerful to lasting motivation and success,  than belief which fuels people past their problems -- and into reachable possibilities.

Motivation is the brain’s segue into opportunities. Two border collies in Ireland this week showed me how it’s done. What motivates you?