According to Charles Duhigg in Smarter, Faster, Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business (2016), “Motivation becomes easier when we transform a chore into a choice. Doing so gives us a sense of control.” Duhigg’s theory fits well with Self-determination Theory, which considers how we motivate ourselves. Let’s take a closer look.
Self-Determination
In Self-determination theory, we’re motivated when our needs for autonomy (control), competence (achievement), and affiliation (belonging) are satisfied. We need to feel a sense of control (of not being controlled by others) and to feel as if we have a choice. We need to feel competent (able to master a new skill or that we’re being effective). We also need to feel connected to others, to feel significant to others, to feel a sense of belonging, or to feel a sense of community.
Also according to Self-determination theory, we willingly seek opportunities to develop our potential. These opportunities enhance our sense of well-being, which in turn drives us to better performance. Duhigg’s research confirms the theory’s part about the need for a sense of control and being able to make choices. That in turn helps our motivation.
The Key
The key then is to “transform a chore into a choice.” That is, trick our minds into thinking we have a choice. Or as when we were trying to get our children or grandchildren to do something. For instance, on a balmy summer’s eve, when trying to get a child to come in from playing and eat dinner, you might say something like this: “You can come in now and eat dinner, or you can come in now and go to bed without dinner. Your choice.”
We’re all more motivated when we have choices.
What Do You Think?
Are you able to transform a chore into a choice? If so, does doing that give you a sense of control? What ideas do you have for transforming a chore into a choice?
You may also enjoy Part 2 of “How to Be Smarter, Faster, Better.”