Behavioral experts teach that we are motivated both by pain and by pleasure. We can change behaviors and attitudes as we utilize the Principle of Pain and Pleasure.
Here is how it works: One of the most successful American football coaches was Vince Lombardi. But he was not an easy coach to play for. One player, Henry Jordan, chuckled about Lombardi, “He treats us all the same – like dogs.” He went on to say, “I play for the love of the game, the love of the money and the fear of Lombardi.”
When he plays for the love of the game and the love of the money, he is motivated by pleasure. He thinks of the enjoyment he will get when he is on the field and his financial success as a professional player. He may even think of the personal recognition he receives as a professional player and the feelings of self-respect he experiences as he continues to succeed. The pleasure of these thoughts motivates him to play well.
When he thinks of Lombardi’s ire if he does less than his best, he is motivated by pain. Fear is emotional pain – as real as any physical pain. He may think also of the pain of losing his position to another player or even of the embarrassment of a fumbled ball. People will go to great lengths to avoid pain, in whatever form they find it.
All of these “pain thoughts,” as well as his “pleasure thoughts,” help him to rise to his best level of performance. This is the Principle of Pain and Pleasure.
What do you need motivation to do? Is it something related to your job or school? A project? A time-consuming task you’ve been putting off? Do you need motivation to do something personal, such as quitting a crippling habit? Or do you need more encouragement to work on a huge lifestyle change?
Utilize the Principle of Pain and Pleasure. Think of the pain you will eventually feel (or even feel now) as you fail to follow your heart’s lead. Be creative. Close your eyes and visualize how that pain is oppressing you. Try to see in gory detail how the pain of failing at what you want to accomplish is going to hurt. Spend a little time just feeling that pain.
Then think of the pleasure you will experience as you do or become whatever it is you want for yourself. Visualize yourself as free and happy as you can imagine being. Try to see in your mind’s eye how your eventual success will elevate your life to whole new levels. Spend time feeling that pleasure.
This simple technique will help you will find the push you need to give birth to your beautiful new life.
-- Steve Goodier
Image: FreeImages.com/Fernando AUDIBERT
