Photos by talicat2000, David Reece

When it comes to learning about new concepts, quitting negative habits or any other altering of existing behaviour, we are faced with a question of motivation. In order to bring about change we must first decide to do so.

Two of the key motivating factors to enabling positive change within our lives are outlined as follows:


Cost to self
Is it easy?
Will it take (more) time?
Does it cost me money?
Do I require re-education or training?

vs

What's in it for me?
Being driven by personal gain - weighing up whether the change is worthwhile given the expected or noted benefits? Benefits could include anything from financial gain, a feeling of self-contentedness and positive feedback from other people.

How does it work for you?
While it is true that these factors need to co-exist, when faced with important decisions, we often find ourselves concentrating more heavily on one factor over the other. Considering these two factors: What do you feel it is that motivates your decisions with regards to personal change? Whether it be quitting a perceivabley negative habit such as smoking; or something more along the lines of educating yourself on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle - is it cost or gain that you find motivating your decisions?