World peace
A universal theory of the workings of the universe. An end to poverty. Or, be crazy, world peace. You can't arrange many really important things within a year. Sometimes not within ten, twenty or fifty years. If a goal is very far away, how do you stay motivated to work on it?
Four types of motivation
Researchers Thomas Bateman and Bruce Barry mapped out what drives people who do work that only (perhaps) has results in the very long term. For example, they spoke to astronomers who spend their entire working lives searching the universe for extraterrestrial life.
Based on these types of interviews, Bateman and Barry distinguish four types of motivation.
1. Possible futures: it helps to imagine how the (distant) future can be different and better because of what you do now. And what that means for future generations.
2. Possible selves: What also works is the realization that you are actually a kind of pioneer or explorer. Someone who later turns out to have been at the basis of something great.
3. Short-term rewards: interest, appreciation and admiration in the here and now also have a motivating effect. Just like experiencing progression; small steps forward in solving an immense puzzle.
4. Interest in the work: pleasure in daily activities is an important motivator for people who work on very long-term goals.
Volunteer work
Searching for extraterrestrial life for a fee is special, but so is dedicating yourself as a volunteer for the long-term to the livability of your own planet.
Sociologists James Downton and Paul Wehr examined how peace activists sustain their efforts in the long term. In addition to the four motivations above, practical skills also turned out to be important. Such as: gaining support from family and friends, smartly planning your activism among other obligations, and focusing on tasks that match your interests and talents.
Also interesting: psychologist Nicole Anderson and her colleagues noted in an extensive manner literature review that volunteering is healthy for you. Helping others and dedicating yourself to social causes makes you fitter, both physically and mentally. That might also help you keep it up.
Tips
Do you want to work on large, complex problems? Then here are some small, simple tips. Based on the research mentioned, in the form of five questions.
1. How does my work ultimately change the future for the better?
2. What would that mean for me personally?
3. What short-term rewards can I build into my work?
4. How can I use my strengths on a daily basis?
5. How do I ensure a healthy balance in my agenda? In other words: if the goal I'm working on is in the very distant future, how bad is it to go home an hour early today?
#Working #longterm #goals
