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Remember the “carrot” and “stick” theories of motivation? If you wonder how you could perform without adrenaline-inspiring deadlines, you may be confessing your dependence on the stick (fear) as a motivating force. Most of us have been brought up and educated, at least in part, by the “stick.” Whether self-inflicted or wielded by others, the stick DOES inspire action. So what is wrong with it? Stick-inspired action is unpleasant, sporadic, and most important, conforming. Fear instills obedience and thwarts risk-taking. If you aspire to independent, creative thinking, you would be well advised to reflect on the role that fear of the stick plays in your motivational life.
Is the “carrot” a valid alternative to the stick? The external carrot, in the form of money, prestige, power and so on, is usually the stick in disguise. Although apparently motivated by reward, the external carrot-seeker is more often moved by fear of failure to obtain ENOUGH carrot. What remains, then, is the internal carrot that draws us to our full potential, that attracts us to perform at our best for the sheer pleasure of doing things well. Truly creative people are most attracted by the nourishment afforded by their internal carrot and relatively less motivated by external rewards and fear.

Bob McKim, Thinking Visually
2 months ago
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