Motivation? It's all in your head

WE all need a reason to keep going in life, in work and in our relationships. For some, it's a matter of habit. And for others, it's because they see no choice. It is our ability to hold out hope for a better future that defines us as the human race. And yet, it's the rat race that we tend to get caught up in instead. With all its enticing lures and hoops we must jump, it's pretty easy to lose our sense of direction.

In an attempt to make sense of what drives us, I decided to attend a talk on human motivation last week, albeit after some hesitation. Nothing against such speakers, and I'm sure that they have helped others change their perspectives about life, but I have attended quite a few of these conferences and workshops over the years and I have always felt like they were more style than substance. At these events, the speakers are usually charming and funny, they sell and autograph books, and end off by plugging their consultancy services or more workshops.

To me, people who attend probably want an injection of adrenaline or inspiration - the short-lived feel-good factor - that comes with such events. And let's not forget why companies want to send their staff to attend such talks in the first place - of course they want their staff to be more motivated and work harder. But despite my reservations, I was determined to keep an open mind this time around.