Although some individuals do volunteer work, for most people money is a universal motivator. However, besides money, there are many additional motivators or reasons why we work and we may not even be completely aware of what motivates us. If you are seeking to develop an encore career, start a small business, begin a senior side hustle, accessing your motivators may help in your decision making and success.
The first time you read this list of motivators and the examples of behaviors common to this motivator, you will probably select five to ten of these 30 motivators as describing you. Reviewing your list again, perhaps reviewing it several times and reviewing your work history and your ideas or dreams for your next potential opportunity, reduce your list to your top five motivators that will be essential in your next endeavor. If you discover that identifying your top five motivators is difficult or confusing, you may want to discuss this exercise with someone who knows you well.
This following list of motivators are not ranked by importance or popularity; they are listed in alphabetical order.
1 Accomplishments
- Do you feel proud when you use your education, technical training, experience, or special skills in your work?
- Do you feel a sense of completion when you finish a work-related task or project?
- Do you like undertaking expert tasks or special projects?
#2 Action
- Do you like work assignments that are high risk or give you an adrenaline rush?
- Do you enjoy being constantly on the go, living with tight deadlines?
- Do you like the buzz of a busy environment?
#3 Authority
- Do you like to be regarded as having all the answers?
- Do you enjoy having people seek you out for advice and counsel?
- Do you like to be perceived as an expert on a specific topic?
#4 Belonging
- Do you like being part of a team, task force, management team or special project team?
- Do you like to work for or be associated with a company or organization?
#5 Competition
- Do you prefer to participate in activities where there is a recognized winner and loser?
- Do you like to win and get your way?
- Do you like the thrill of the game, the art of the deal?
#6 Creativity
- Do you like to come up with novel ideas, to have your ideas challenged, or to think outside the box?
- Do you like to be part of brainstorming or idea generating sessions?
- Do you look forward to being with people who see things differently from you?
#7 Current
- Do you like to” be up on the latest thinking,” regardless of the topic?
- Do you like to be on the cutting edge?
- Do you like to be the first to see a new movie release, try a new restaurant, or buy a hot new item?
#8 Experiences
- Do you seek out the opportunity for novel situations?
- Do you like meeting different, diverse people and having new experiences?
- Do you seek out different opinions?
#9 Friendship
- Do you make the most of your friends through work or work-related activities?
- Do you socialize with people from work in nonwork situations?
#10 Fulfillment
- Do you look for a sense of completion or satisfaction from what you do?
- Is it easy for you to identify what doesn’t make you feel good about a job or a task?
- Do you have a reason to jump out of bed every morning? If not, do you want one?
#11 Global
- Do you seek out foreign assignments or go to foreign countries on vacation?
- Do you combine business and pleasure on overseas trips?
- Are you intrigued with globalization and multicultural issues?
#12 Goals
- Do you make resolutions and stick to them?
- Do you hate to feel goal-less?
- Do you manage your time using a “to-do” list with defined objectives that you complete?
#13 Identity
- Does your work make you feel important?
- Do you need your business to identify who you are?
- Do you introduce yourself by saying what work you do?
#14 Intellectual Stimulation — to be with intellectually stimulating people
- Does the best in you come out when others challenge your thinking?
- Do you feel better working with others who are smarter than you / or do you like to be in mentally stimulating situations?
- Would you accept a job because you want to work with a specific person?
#15 Leadership
- Do you like to be the boss or the person responsible and have people follow you?
- Do you like being able to motivate people to follow you and take up your mission?
- Do you often find yourself in charge and influencing others?
#16 Lifelong Leaning
- Are you curious about and willing to entertain new concepts or unfamiliar processes?
- Do you research, take seminars on, attend lectures about, or read in-depth on topics that interest you outside your job requirements?
- Do you have interests that you study just for the sake of knowledge?
#17 Making a Difference
- Do you feel you have a bigger mission in life than the one you’re presently fulfilling?
- Do you like to do things that help others and make their lives better?
- Do you want to leave a legacy for your family, community, or society?
#18 Mentoring
- Does it give you pleasure to help people grow?
- Do you take pride in helping others find or hone their skills and interests?
#19 Passion
- Do you want your work related to a personal passion, interest, hobby, or pastime?
- Would you do your job even if you didn’t get paid to do it?
- Should your job fulfill you beyond your paycheck?
#20 People
- Do you find it stimulating to meet people at meetings, events, parties, and so on?
- Is it important for you to take an interest in the personal and family lives of team members, co-workers, people in the community, or associates?
- Do you hope to be close to people through work or social activities?
#21 Power
- Do you like to be in the position of deciding what happens?
- Do you like to be in charge and have the buck stop with you?
- Do you like to influence others at work or in social organizations?
#22 Prestige
- Do you like people to look up to you or admire you?
- Do you like to be associated with people who you feel enhance your image?
#23 Problem-Solving
- Do you like to break down problems, solve them, and tie up all the loose ends?
- Do you like to get involved with jobs that others are having trouble completing?
- Do you like tackling tough tasks?
#24 Recognition
- Do you like people to acknowledge your importance by greeting you by name?
- Do you like it when you are publicly acknowledged for your personal attributes, talent, or track record?
#25 Self-Esteem
- Do you look to your work or your co-workers to build your ego and give you confidence?
- Does positive feedback or kudos from others make you feel good?
- Do you look for situations or activities that make you feel good about yourself?
#26 Skills and Talent
- Do you seek out opportunities where you can use your skills and talent?
- Do you embrace change and new ideas as the chance to test your skills and talent?
- Are you constantly trying to make yourself a better worker or person?
#27 Social
- Are you happier with others rather than alone?
- Do you need others to energize you?
- Are people and friends your lifeline to society?
#28 Structure
- Do you prefer a highly developed organizational structure?
- Do you need a daily routine?
- Do you get thrown when something doesn’t go as planned or expected?
#29 Value
- Do you like others (your clients, peers, boss, or associates) to rely on you?
- Do you approach your work with the desire to become indispensable?
- Is it important to be valued by people you value? By anyone?
#30 Visibility
- Do you like to see your name mentioned in the paper, on a program, or hear it mentioned by others?
- Do you sit at the front of the room at meetings, presentations and religious services?
As you plan for an encore career, starting a small business, or senior side hustle, plan for utilizing the motivators you have identified.
Based on Don’t Retire Rewire, Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners
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