What Motivates You?

The example used most often to understand why people are motivated to do things usually starts in most business books with using "sane" people compelled to want to climb a mountain, say like Everest for no reason. But why would anyone want to do that and endure the training and pain that's need to prepare for something like that? The answer is, climbing a mountain without any reward except the intrinsic benefit of completing it. Sounds crazy right or at least to me.

Then, out of the blue you try something like rock climbing at an indoor place like Earth Treks and you learn a lot about yourself. Especially... if you DESPISE heights. The first thought, why am I climbing an imaginary rock wall with color coded handles that look like shapes you made out of play dough as a kid that guide you up with each grab further from safety.

Note: as usual, do not look down.

Something happens though in the mist of total doubt about your abilities and rationale behind deciding to climb a 50ft wall and you forget the “why” and just try to get to the top. Even the few I have seen quit halfway, I have seen go back and try the very thing that had them shaking with each step as they went up or even crying from overwhelming fear. Although when you do complete the fake rock wall climbing challenge, something euphoric takes over you when your feet hit the ground and safety is instilled back into your mind. You did something you never thought you could do. And not cause someone like your boss, parent, or your spouse told you too either. In that moment you learn, you are capable of so much more and certain things without any extrinsic benefit (minus my tired arms) can make you feel alive, knowing you did something just because you could.