Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share 4. THE GAP BETWEEN EASY AND DIFFICULT / THE BALANCE BEAM OF LIFE: HOMEOSTASIS AND MOTIVATIONS
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
4. THE GAP BETWEEN EASY AND DIFFICULT / THE BALANCE BEAM OF LIFE: HOMEOSTASIS AND MOTIVATIONS
THE GAP BETWEEN EASY AND DIFFICULT
When people refer to something as “easy” or “difficult,” what are they essentially saying? Easy means that we know how to do something (i.e., I know how to do it). When it is difficult, it means that we have not yet learned it (i.e., I do not know how to do it). Humans learn from experience, so as much as we’re told how to do something, sometimes we just need to actually do it where it makes sense. For example, We can admire the sand on a beach, but we do not truly know what it feels like until we wiggle our toes in it.
Neither do we learn if the event is experienced by others, no mat- ter how close it is to us. We must experience it ourselves.
THE BALANCE BEAM OF LIFE: HOMEOSTASIS AND MOTIVATIONS
The body is governed by fight-or-flight instincts that are programmed to survive and reproduce. It also has an internal animal preservation system called homeostasis that tries to maintain a stable equilibrium.
There are times when the body wants to stay as it is and not spend energy to preserve its current state. Sometimes when we’re feeling “la- zy,” our body is telling us to rest. There are people who fight every day against homeostasis and overcome it, just like there are others who suc- cumb and let animal instincts win the game.
The problem is when you remain in one state for a very long time. Constantly doing nothing, for example, prevents people from important learning opportunities that can come to them through life experiences.
Understanding What Motivates Us
Ever wonder why some people are inspired to work long hours while others would rather spend that time relaxing on the couch? It is because people are motivated differently depending on their values. There are two different types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic motivation occurs when we do something in order to re- ceive an external reward (money, grades, praise) or to prevent some- thing from happening (fear). This exchange of something for some- thing else is referred to as transactional. For example, if I pass with good grades, my parents will reward me with a summer trip.
Intrinsic motivation is where one does not need to be externally rewarded because he receives internal pleasure or satisfaction from it (enjoyment, fulfillment). People who are intrinsically motivated tend to complete things by themselves – without nagging or threats – and do not expect anything in return
Living Purposely
Without proper instruction, guidance and inspiring motivations, we as human beings tend not to evolve much beyond the comforts of homeo- stasis, which keeps us stuck.
View all episodes
By Penelope MorcilloTHE GAP BETWEEN EASY AND DIFFICULT
When people refer to something as “easy” or “difficult,” what are they essentially saying? Easy means that we know how to do something (i.e., I know how to do it). When it is difficult, it means that we have not yet learned it (i.e., I do not know how to do it). Humans learn from experience, so as much as we’re told how to do something, sometimes we just need to actually do it where it makes sense. For example, We can admire the sand on a beach, but we do not truly know what it feels like until we wiggle our toes in it.
Neither do we learn if the event is experienced by others, no mat- ter how close it is to us. We must experience it ourselves.
THE BALANCE BEAM OF LIFE: HOMEOSTASIS AND MOTIVATIONS
The body is governed by fight-or-flight instincts that are programmed to survive and reproduce. It also has an internal animal preservation system called homeostasis that tries to maintain a stable equilibrium.
There are times when the body wants to stay as it is and not spend energy to preserve its current state. Sometimes when we’re feeling “la- zy,” our body is telling us to rest. There are people who fight every day against homeostasis and overcome it, just like there are others who suc- cumb and let animal instincts win the game.
The problem is when you remain in one state for a very long time. Constantly doing nothing, for example, prevents people from important learning opportunities that can come to them through life experiences.
Understanding What Motivates Us
Ever wonder why some people are inspired to work long hours while others would rather spend that time relaxing on the couch? It is because people are motivated differently depending on their values. There are two different types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic motivation occurs when we do something in order to re- ceive an external reward (money, grades, praise) or to prevent some- thing from happening (fear). This exchange of something for some- thing else is referred to as transactional. For example, if I pass with good grades, my parents will reward me with a summer trip.
Intrinsic motivation is where one does not need to be externally rewarded because he receives internal pleasure or satisfaction from it (enjoyment, fulfillment). People who are intrinsically motivated tend to complete things by themselves – without nagging or threats – and do not expect anything in return
Living Purposely
Without proper instruction, guidance and inspiring motivations, we as human beings tend not to evolve much beyond the comforts of homeo- stasis, which keeps us stuck.