I caught a lyric of a song today that basically said the roar of the crowd was what kept this singer going. I thought about how this same singer recently filed for divorce after his infidelity to his wife made headline news a few months earlier. And I wondered to myself what is it that drives people? And when do they cross the line from doing something because they just love to do it.....to doing something because the roar of the crowd (or the industry awards....or the salary....or the fame..) has become a high to which they are addicted?
I remember learning about intrinsic and extrinsic motivators when I was working on my psychology degree. Basically, intrinsic motivators are things that you feel within yourself when doing something you enjoy. For instance, I enjoy writing. It feels good to me, it's cathartic, and it helps me to process my thoughts and feelings. Extrinsic motivators come from outside of yourself - for instance, money, recognition, fame, an award, or the competitive desire to "out perform" others. Perhaps someone starts off making music because they love it, but eventually they do it for the money or because they are hell bent on earning that Grammy, etc. Just because you have extrinsic rewards in place does not mean that you aren't intrinsically motivated. For instance, a teacher may love to teach, but he also earns money for teaching.
The interesting thing is that research has shown that once people become extrinsically motivated to do something they love, many of them tend to lose interest or satisfaction in the activity for which they once had only intrinsic motivation. When does one cross the line and become attached only to the notion of winning or of making a certain amount of money (and what constitutes "enough" money continually climbs as success increases) instead of loving what they do for the sole reason that it brings them joy?
I certainly know some folks who seem to have stayed true to their craft, even with extrinsic motivation galore. I know pastors whose churches have expanded, who are paid to share God's word, but who have stayed focused and humbled rather than becoming power-hungry or taking credit for the talents that God gave them. I know people who have pursued occupations that mirror their interests and talents, and who have enjoyed great success in terms of publishing or awards or income, but who have remained steadfast with their commitment to serving others through their careers. But these folks are usually the exception. Others get swept up in things like fame, critics, competition, popular opinion, and money, and they slowly transform to a place where they no longer truly enjoy what they once loved to do, but instead, they sacrifice relationships, ethics, time, and other resources in the name of "greater success" - whatever that means to them.
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
~Herman Cain
