Unlocking Productivity: Discover Your Motivation Style

A person might wonder why they can be extremely productive with some tasks but end up procrastinating on others. This could lead them to think about giving up everything and living a quieter life. However, there’s a helpful way to understand this: a framework that explains how people respond to expectations.?

Expectations can be internal or external:?

- Internal expectations are the rules, deadlines, or goals someone sets for themselves.?

- External expectations are the demands or requests made by others.?

Understanding how one reacts to these expectations can help them figure out how to motivate themselves better. Gretchen Rubin created a framework with four personality types based on this idea. Knowing which type someone belongs to can guide them to work more effectively.?

The Upholder?

An Upholder meets both internal and external expectations easily. They enjoy rules, ticking tasks off a list, and following a clear structure. They often stick to habits, set goals, and prioritize tasks (Rubin, 2020).

To stay productive, an Upholder just needs clear guidance, checklists, and a focus on their values. They thrive when they know exactly what to do.?

The Questioner?

A Questioner meets internal expectations but struggles with external ones. They rely on logic and efficiency, so they resist tasks that feel unreasonable or pointless. Questioners need to know why something is necessary before they can commit to doing it (Rubin, 2020).

For a Questioner to stay motivated, they should focus on finding logical reasons to complete tasks. Asking questions, understanding the purpose, and aligning tasks with their values make it easier for them to follow through.?

The Obliger?

An Obliger meets external expectations well but struggles with internal ones. They are reliable for others, meeting deadlines and helping friends, but they find it hard to stay motivated for personal goals (Rubin, 2020).

Obligers can overcome this by creating accountability. For example, they can join a group or ask a friend to check in on their progress. This external pressure can help them stay on track.?

The Rebel?

A Rebel resists both internal and external expectations. They prefer to do what they feel like at the moment. If someone tells them to do something, they often feel like doing the opposite (Rubin, 2020).

For a Rebel, the best approach is to focus on freedom and choice. They should be presented with options and left to decide on their own without pressure. This way, they can make reasonable choices while feeling in control.

A Final Thought?

Rubin believes that people are born into one of these types and stay that way for life. However, some think they can shift between types over time. For instance, someone might move from being an Obliger to an Upholder. By understanding these four types, anyone can learn how to get things done in a way that works best for them.

Reference:

Rubin, G. (2020). Habits, Happiness, and Personality Types: Gretchen Rubin - The Decision Lab. The Decision Lab. https://thedecisionlab.com/podcasts/habits-happiness-and-personality-types-gretchen-rubin