What is “Right Stuff” Motivation™?

One of the things that sets elite performers apart is that they are driven by what we at KPA call 'Right Stuff' Motivation ™. Do you have 'Right Stuff' Motivation™ ? Here's what it looks and feels like.

 

On the surface, when we see truly great sports performers prepare and compete or a great business leader lead or performing artist practice or perform, we see things like energy, determination, dedication, enjoyment, fun, drive, authenticity and great attitude.

 

But these behaviours are driven and fuelled  below the surface at a mental, physical and emotional level by something deep within. The drive and fuel for this performance fire is “right stuff” motivation (RSM). The good news is that RSM isn’t something you’ve got or you haven’t got. It’s not some magical gift. It’s a learned skill!

 

In essence RSM is a combination of three critical factors, which when integrated provide the foundation for sustained elite level performance - SELP

 

1. Internally motivated - Performing because of a ‘love of the game’ and mastery of what they do.

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“You can motivate by fear and you can motivate by reward. But those two things are only temporary. The only lasting motivation is self motivation”

Homer Rice – Legendary Athletic Director

 

The more a performer's behaviour is driven ‘from the inside’, the more positive the consequences we will be in terms of performance outcomes, physical and mental wellbeing and effort.  In contrast, the more behaviour is determined ‘from the outside’, the less positive the performance and wellbeing consequences. For example, we know from our research and work with sports performers, business performers and performing artists that those driven primarily by money and reward (outside motivators), perform less effectively over time than those driven by mastery of a task, enjoyment and challenge (inside motivators). Basically, the more you learn to develop a ‘love of the game’, the better you will perform and also there will be positive consequences for your wellness.

 

2. Living with passion - A desire to be the best you can be with unrelenting enthusiasm

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“Nothing is as important as Passion. No matter what you do with your life, be passionate”

John Bon Jovi – Rock legend

 

Elite performers are different because they are driven by long term energy and engagement for what they do - passion. Be it sport, music, dance, selling, leading, entrepreneurism, etc, passion is true engagement. But don’t confuse passion with unbridled emotion! Emotions are usually brief in nature, lasting only moments, where as passions are more enduring, more permanent and define performers in relation to their chosen calling. Passion is about being driven by your values and purpose everyday! That’s what elite performers do.

 

3. Goal committed - Sticking to their goals on a day to day, month to month, year to year basis with                                        unwavering focus.

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“Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage but simply because they have never organized their energies around a goal”

Elbert Hubbard - Author

 

The third aspect of 'Right Stuff' Motivation™  is being goal committed. Elite performers, have a clear dream and vision and a set of goals that drives their commitment on a day to day basis. These goals are created and executed in a special way that ensures performers remain focused and committed to these goals in the short, medium and long terms. Elite performers set and execute their goals, monitor their performance on a daily basis , learn, unlearn, relearn and  stay focused on meeting objectives. That’s what elite performers do so brilliantly.

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