Teens & Parents: What is your Core Motivation Type?

What really drives you? What is your core motivation? Different people are motivated in their own unique way. Becoming aware of different motivation styles allows you to improve productivity, reduce stress, feel more fulfilled, and improve communication with others (especially those who have a different motivation type than you.) Learn your unique motivation style and empower yourself to take advantage of your core motivation’s natural strengths and manage its weaknesses. Read the paragraphs below and figure out your core motivation type.

Type One: The Perfectionist

I like things to be perfect. If I really care about something, I will spend a lot of time working to make it right. I can be extremely organized about things I care about. If only people knew how hard I can be on myself at times! It’s as if I have a voice in my head that constantly judges how well I am doing. I don’t like errors, and I hate making mistakes. Sometimes I get stressed out at how much I have to do, and I feel like I have to do it right. Others sometimes think that I can be serious. I guess I do like to get things done right, but I like to have a good time like everyone else.

Type Two: The Helper

I love being useful and being able to give to others. I often find myself doing so much for others, though, that I get worn out and wish I had more time and energy for myself. At moments like this, I wish that I could say ‘no’ better and take better care of myself. I love feeling loved and appreciated, especially when someone goes out of their way to thank me. On the other hand, when some people think that I’m trying to control the situation, it hurts my feelings. All I’m trying to do is help!

Type Three: The Doer

I want to be the best I can be at what I do. I am very goal driven. I believe that people are what they achieve, and I have achieved a lot. I get frustrated when others waste time or mess it up. Some people call me competitive, and although I admit that I am, I also do well on teams. I tend to care a lot about my reputation and how others see me. When I have a goal I care about, I can focus and get it done. Why do anything if you cannot be the best at it?

Type Four: The Artist

I love feeling my emotions. Many people consider me creative and artistic. I feel most alive when I express myself and when others understand me for who I am. I like to think of myself as unique and different from everyone else. But sometimes I feel misunderstood and lonely. Some say that I am dramatic, but I am only expressing how I feel. I want a deep connection with others. I am after what is true, real, and beautiful.Feelings are extremely important to me. I am what I feel. I don’t mind feeling sad. It’s a human emotion like any other, and emotions do pass. What’s most important to me is that I know what I feel, even if I don’t know what to do about it.

Number Type Five: The Expert

I love being the expert. I like knowing as much as I can about a subject before I have to do anything. I hate it when others say I’m factually wrong when I think I’m right. Often times I would prefer not to answer questions than risk being wrong. I am more than willing to argue my point, and I will reconsider my ideas if the facts don’t support what I think. I love going to my room, where I have my books, dvd’s, video games, and a space where no one will make demands on my energy or time. I like my alone time. I like to think about past experiences when no one else is around. It helps me sort myself out. I don’t like to depend too much on others. In groups, I am more than willing to speak up and say what I want. I enjoy living a simple, straightforward life.

Number Type Six: The Loyal-Skeptic

I have a good imagination, and I tend to think up worst-case scenarios. That’s good because I’m always prepared for the worst. Issues with authority also play a big role in my life. I go from going along with those in charge completely to being a rebel depending on what I think about them. When someone tells me a new idea, I can usually see what could go wrong with it. I like to think something through before I trust it. Once I trust a person and believe in an idea, I am a strong ally. People tend to think I’m witty and smart. I have a funny, if unusual, sense of humor.

Number Type Seven: The Enthusiast

I want to have the best. I like it when life moves fast and I have lots of options open. I try to always avoid negative emotion. I run away from bored, feeling trapped, or being sad. If something does get me down, I’ll quickly think of something else. My mind moves 100 miles an hour. I will sometimes get really into something I barely know about. Then when I get bored with it, completely drop it. I guess I have a lot of things I’ve started but don’t quite finish. I am good at making connections between things that are completely different. I am an optimist who believes that life is to be enjoyed. Sometimes, though, I have trouble deciding between two positive choices. Which one will be better? Can I have them both?

Number Type Eight: The Defender

I love a good challenge. I love being in control of things that matter to me. I am a blunt and honest person who seeks out truth and justice. I respect those in power who treat others fairly. It angers me when people try to manipulate me or act unfairly to others. I like to be in control. Sometimes people accuse me of being bossy, but I’m only trying to make sure everything is ok. I don’t like others knowing my flaws or weaknesses. And I have little patience for weakness in others, unless they are trying to do something about it. It’s a tough world out there. Someone’s got to be in control.

Number Type Nine: The Peacemaker

I like it best when everything is peaceful. I try to avoid conflict and keep everyone happy. In groups, I tend to go along with what others want. Sometimes I find myself agreeing with someone or something when I don’t want to. I sometimes get frustrated with myself, but I don’t like to disappoint people. I don’t like it when others are angry at each other, and I hate it when people are angry at me. Sometimes people tend to take advantage of my kind nature though, but I can stand up for myself when I need to. I can usually see all sides to a situation because each side has its pluses and minuses. Sometimes I have trouble knowing what it is I really want. I just want life to be comfortable and peaceful.

What is your Primary Core Motivation? What words, phrases, or sentences jumped out at you?

Once an Academic Life Coach helps a teen identify his/her Core Motivation, they can work together to make action steps to embrace his/her types’ strengths, acknowledge his/her challenges to personal growth, and consciously work on exercises to aid in his/her personal growth.

This type of self-awareness is a step in the right direction in helping empower young adults to reduce stress, have more control, and become fulfilled, effective leaders.