"La motivation est l'art de faire faire aux gens ce que vous voulez qu'ils fassent parce qu'ils veulent le faire"

Getting people to do what you want because they want to do it themselves? That’s the magic formula of motivation. The core idea here is about aligning your goals with others' desires so well that they’re driven from within to do what you need them to. It’s not about manipulation—it’s about understanding and inspiration.

Think back to the early 20th century when this idea started gaining traction in workplaces. Managers used to think that cracking the whip was the way to get results. But then thinkers like Dale Carnegie came along and flipped the script. They recognized that treating people with respect and tapping into their personal motivations got better results. No one likes to be bossed around, but everyone loves feeling like they’re contributing to something meaningful, right?

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture a teacher, Mrs. Rhodes, who’s trying to get her students to care about algebra. She could just assign problems and demand those assignments be turned in on time. But instead, she decides to show them how algebra is used in video game design, something they’re genuinely interested in. Suddenly, they’re not just doing homework—they’re learning a skill that could help them make their own games. The students start doing extra research, asking more questions, and even helping each other out. Why? Because Mrs. Rhodes linked her goals with something the students were already passionate about.

Want to apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by really listening to people. What are their interests, their aspirations, their fears? Find a way to connect your goals with their personal motivations. If you’re a manager, don’t just assign tasks—explain why those tasks matter, how they fit into the big picture, and how completing them can lead to personal growth or other rewards that matter to them. Maybe you’ve got a friend you want to join you at the gym. Instead of just nagging them to come along, talk about their health goals, or how much fun you two could have together. Make it about them, not you.

Imagine you’re part of a team working on a community garden. You need everyone to pitch in for the big planting day. You could just send out a mass email and hope for the best. But what if you reached out individually? Talk to the person who loves cooking about how fresh herbs could spice up their dishes. Chat with the one who’s into photography about the beautiful flower shots they could take. Suddenly, it’s not just your gardening project—it’s something that taps into their personal interests and passions.

That’s the beauty of true motivation. It’s not about pushing—from behind. It’s about leading—from the front, by understanding, inspiring, and connecting. So, next time you need something done, think about what’s in it for them. You might find that they’re not just willing—they’re eager to get started.