It seems motivation is a deeper subject than just wanting to be better for the horse, or for wanting more red ribbons or _______(fill in the blank). It appears that what motivates us to stick to a healthy habit or to change our habits stems from our core character tendency.
The information and research that I stumbled upon conducted by Gretchen Rubin, highlights that there are 4 personality tendencies that dictate how we respond to expectations; those that we put on ourselves, and those that are put upon us from an external source.
The way in which you respond to these expectations will play a massive role in figuring out what motivates you to make changes, take action and stick to something you know is good for you.
The 4 tendencies are:
- The Obliger
‘I do what I have to do. I don’t want to let others down, but I may let myself down’
This tendency is by far the most common. It describes the people who respond incredibly well to external expectations, always meeting other peoples demands and requests and going the extra mile for other people.
Obligers have a very difficult time fulfilling expectations they have for themselves, if no-one else knows about it.
They need an accountability partner or someone they will let down if they don’t follow through.
- The Upholder
“I do what others expect of me and what I expect of myself’
This tendency doesn’t struggle to fulfil expectations given to them or given by themselves. They are equally committed to following through on any expectation, regardless of where it came from. They are generally very observant of rules and they will work whenever it is needed to get a job done.
- The Questioner
‘I do what I think is best, according to my judgement’
This tendency requires that a massive amount of information be collected before any expectation can be met. If the data shows that it makes sense to complete the expectation, then it will be done. There needs to be sound reason, logic and research to allow the questioner to move forward with a task.
- The Rebel
‘I do what I want in my own way. If you try to make me do something, I am less likely to do it’
By far the smallest group, the rebel resists any expectations whether they have been imposed by others, or themselves. They live to be free from direction and rules and will do what they want, when they want. If an expectation fulfils some of their criteria of clarity on how it will make them feel, if it will allow them to be true to themselves, or if it sets them apart from other people they will be motivated.
I am sharing this with you because I find it fascinating and believe that there is a real potential to utilize this information in the way riders are taught, and for you as riders how you receive and filter information.
If you understand your triggers for motivation to complete a task or to form a new habit, you may well be able to guide the person giving you information to deliver it in a way that will set an expectation you will uphold.
Interestingly (to me!) I came out as a Rebel, which now brings a lot of sense to my behavior over the years (!) and it explains why I always felt at odds when I would ignore the rebel voice.
I would really love it if you would complete the survey and let me know what your strongest tendency is (if you have any interest) as then it might help to guide my delivery of content to you.
And it may just give you some clarity on why some instructors might work for you and others don’t, or why you didn’t keep that resolution or why you don’t do the thing you know you should!
If you want to know more and take the quiz to find out which is your dominant tendency, hit the link below:
http://gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2015/01/ta-da-the-launch-of-my-quiz-on-the-four-tendencies-learn-about-yourself/