The Motivational Mechanism
(Note: If you have been in one of the recent basic life coach trainings I may have referred you to this theme and video. Since the vast majority of those of you enrolled in this advanced course have not had this particular lesson, I want you to absorb it. This is one of the most helpful coaching tools I have encountered, and I am using it more and more. I hope you will make use of it in your practice.)
In our basic life coach training we explored the technique of analyzing cost and payoff. Bashar (www.bashar.org) presents the same concept in an even simpler and clearer way. He calls it “The Motivational Mechanism.” This is the concept that we always do the thing that we believe will bring us the greatest reward. No one does anything unless he or she believes this act is preferable to all others. We are selfishly wired. I don’t mean that in a judgmental way. It just means that each of us has a unique path and purpose, and we are always seeking to maximize the benefits to ourselves, our path, and our purpose.
Due to the hypnosis and illusions to which we often subscribe, we do things that we believe are bringing us our highest benefit, but are not. This, as you recall, is where perceived payoff supersedes real payoff. We may perceive that fighting with our ex- will get us what we want, while letting go of the battle will get us what we really want. We may believe that forcing our child to take the path we prescribe for him will get us what we want, while supporting our child to follow his heart and be true to his own path will ultimately get us what we really want. We may believe that climbing the corporate ladder will net us power and fame, while simply being authentic and choosing a career path that brings us joy will get us what we really want.
The key question to put the Motivational Mechanism into practical application with your clients is this:
Why would you continue to engage in a behavior that you say you do not prefer?
If you or your client can answer this question honestly, you have struck gold. You will remove yourself or your client from the illusion that you are subject to forces and influences beyond your control, and reclaim your identity as the source of your experience. When you accept 100% responsibility for what you have experienced, you gain 100% of the power to create the experience you choose.
Please watch this brief video in which Bashar masterfully applies the Motivational Mechanism in a coaching session. You will be amazed at how clearly he lays it out, and you will learn how to apply it in your own life and with your clients.
This is among the most empowering coaching techniques I know, and I hope you will find it so as well.