Different people are driven by different things in their lives and work. Some may be altruistically driven. Some may be achievement driven. Some may be applause driven. Let’s explore some ways they may translate these approaches into action.
Some People May Be
Altruistically Driven
Some people may follow elements of the altruistic approach. They often want to do their best to help other people. Some may also aim to serve something greater than themselves.
Some people may aim to follow a spiritual faith, a vocation or a sense of mission. They aim to use the gifts they have been given to help others and do positive things during their time on the planet.
There are several definitions for altruism. Some of these focus on how a person may aim to be selfless and help others without seeking any rewards.
Some definitions also mention that giving to others can also lead to experiencing the helper’s high. Such a feeling is a by-product, however, because the main aim is to help others in their lives or work.
Many books have been written about altruism. Samuel and Pearl Oliner, for example, wrote The Altruistic Personality. This chronicles the activities of people who protected Jews during the Holocaust.
Different people helped the Jews in different ways. Some offered them shelter, some helped them escape from prison, some smuggled them out of the country. Why? Some individuals said the following things.
“I was always filled with love for everyone, for every creature, for things. I am fused into every object. For me everything is alive.”
“I sensed I had in front of me human beings that were hunted down like wild animals. This aroused a feeling of brotherhood and a desire to help.”
“We had to help these people to save them, not because they were Jews, but because they were persecuted human beings who needed help.”
The classic view of altruism is that it can involve helping others without seeking a tangible reward. It can also involve risk or sacrifice. That was certainly the case with the rescuers.
Some people may follow elements of the altruistic route in other ways. They may do it as parents, partners or friends. They may do it as educators, medics, coaches or in other professional roles.
Such people often feel a sense of duty. They want to do things that encourage present or future generations. They then aim to follow this principle during their time on the planet.
Some People May Be
Achievement Driven
Different people follow this approach in different ways. Much depends on their personal philosophy. They may then translate this into working towards achieving their chosen picture of success.
Some people aim to achieve tangible things in their personal life. These may include earning enough money, getting a good place to live and having certain possessions.
Some may aim to achieve other important things. These may include being healthy and happy, building loving relationships and achieving their personal goals.
Some people may aim to achieve certain things in their professional life. They may aim to build on their strengths, do stimulating work and continue to develop. They may aim to achieve their professional picture of success.
Some people may aim to follow their passions and achieve certain goals. They may aim to create beautiful things, make full use of their talents or do creative work that produces a sense of satisfaction.
Some people who are adrenaline driven may set themselves stimulating goals. They may run marathons, climb mountains, tackle challenges or do other activities where they stretch themselves and achieve success.
Some people focus on their life goals and do something each day towards achieving these aims. This can provide a sense of meaning and satisfaction when working towards their lifetime picture of success.
Some People May
Be Applause Driven
Some people may follow elements of the applause driven approach. Some may do this in an enjoyable way. They may use their creative talents to perform on stage and get positive responses.
Some people may follow the applause driven approach in other way. They may want to be given status, awards or surrounded by people who provide them with adulation.
Some may become addicted to gaining their equivalent of applause. Their life then revolves around doing things that involve being the centre of attention or being told they are the smartest person in the room.
Different people are driven by different things in their lives and work. Some may be altruistically driven. Some may be achievement driven. Some may be applause driven.
Let’s return to your own life. Looking ahead, can you think of a specific situation where you may want to follow one or more of these approaches? How can you do this in your own way?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
Leave a Reply