Last time, we started to look at why people do the things they do outside the major motivators of love and meeting the hierarchy of needs. Some of those things were a desire to receive outside affirmation, receive praise, and operate out of fear. As we continue on this journey of self-awareness, I’d like to share the final three motivators for this series.

4. Money and Wealth: So many decisions are made with a desire for money. Some desire money for security and others for power. Is money really the best motivator?

5. Desire to help people:  So many people do things out of a need to help others. Why did Mother Teresa save so many in India? Why do people become teachers and doctors? They do it to make a difference in people’s lives and help others. Helping people is one of the reasons we have volunteer programs the world over to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and build shelter for those without it.

6. Faith and religion: Religion is a huge motivator. Most of the time it’s for the good, though people often do things in the name of religion that don’t benefit the world. We only have to stop and think of 9-1-1 to know that. The bad and extremes exist, but I try to focus on the good that comes out of faith-based action. Some things include hospitals like St. Jude, or homeless shelters and soup kitchens. Many faith based organizations teach acceptance, tolerance and, most importantly, love.

If love were the root all our actions, then the world word be a better place, wouldn’t it? It’s a Utopian vision, but sometimes I can take my imagination there for a minute and drink in the peace. Then I come back to reality where I, too, am motivated by things other than love. Fortunately I have Rhonda Shasteen, as my sounding board and mentor in life to help me see things about myself I might not so easily discover on my own. I enjoy sharing her wisdom with you in hope that others can benefit from her amazing insights as well.