Are you chasing the reward, or running from a predator?
Like Mice in a Maze
I recently stumbled upon an interesting study about motivation, and I wanted to share the results with you.
So, here’s what happened: Researchers designed two versions of a maze featuring a cartoon mouse who had to reach the finish line. In one maze, there was a picture of a piece of cheese at the finish line – a little reward for the mouse. In the other maze, there was no cheese; instead, a big, predatory owl was lurking over the whole scene.
Then two groups of participants each got a separate version of the maze. The results? Pretty stark. The group with the cheese at the finish line finished significantly faster than the group with the owl.
Positive Goals Make Positive Outcomes
When looking at the results of the study, it’s clear that the positive outcome inspired better performance than the threat. It was easier for participants to feel motivation by imagining a prize instead of running away from disaster.
If you’ve ever found yourself pushing through your to-do list, thinking, “if I don’t do this, everything will go wrong”, then our metaphorical owl is actually slowing you down. If you are trying to motivate yourself, or someone else, picture what’s waiting on the other side of success instead of stressing about potential pitfalls, or what might go wrong.
See if that helps.
This Week’s Takeaway
Whether you’re leading a business, managing a team, or tackling personal projects, try shifting your focus to the “cheese” at your finish line.
It could be anything from the thrill of hitting a milestone, the joy of seeing your business grow, or even just the satisfaction of completing a challenging task.
The Psychology of Money: by Morgan Housel
When it comes to money, it’s not just about what you know—it’s also how you act. Even the brightest folks can struggle with finances because, unlike with math, behavior isn’t as easy to change. “The Psychology of Money,” delves into the complex relationship with money, giving invaluable insights to help navigate this crucial aspect of life with greater clarity and confidence.
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