Kevin Bemel ·
Do You Know What Motivates You to Succeed?
Parsha [Passage of Scripture] Nugget [Precious Idea] Ki Savo – Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8
As a parent or leader, you undoubtedly know how challenging it is to incentivize your kids or coworkers. We often think it's easier to do so for ourselves. But can you tell me what motivates you in one word? Parshas Ki Savo shows you the two choices:
“These shall stand to bless the people… And these shall stand for the curse…” (Deuteronomy/Devarim 27:12-13)
This Sabbath’s parsha continues preparing the Israelites to enter the Land of Israel by discussing the mitzvah (usually translated commandment) of the first fruits offering, reiterating the inseparability of G-d and Israel, and detailing the blessings and curses that will befall them depending on how well they heed the Torah. At the end of the parsha Moses begins his final exhortation to the Children of Israel.
Why Are Both Given?
Why are both blessings and curses necessary? Isn’t better to just focus on the positive side – the blessings?
Many observers of human nature, whether mental heath professionals, clergy, or salespeople know people tend to be better motivated by either positive or negative reinforcement. Give some an appropriate reward and they will do what is right. Conversely, some people will misbehave no matter how great the reward. For them, the only way to will dissuade them from doing wrong is making punishment a certainty.
The Israelites are a case in point. Some only needed the promise of prosperity in the Land as an incentive to obey the Almighty’s commandments. Others needed the threat of the curses to stay committed to G-d’s way.
As you read this section of scripture, you probably find yourself more deeply impacted by either the blessings or the curses. In the personal development world of relentless positivity it main seem strange to be motivated by curses. But merely because concern for a shorter life, living alone, or insufficient money drives you to stay fit, work on your relationships, or work hard, doesn’t mean you’re negative. Such motivations can be as effective as the desire for winning races, wanting to share your life with a loved one, and having a lot of money.
Which Motives You: Pain or Pleasure?
The key is to know which of the two better motivates you to pursue your goals: Pain or Pleasure.
Think about important objectives you’ve reached and significant relationships you’ve created. What propelled you to succeed? Writing down your thoughts will give you greater clarity. By the way, rarely is someone completely driven by only one. But most people find one more strongly motivates them than the other.
Once you’ve figured out your dominant mode, use this knowledge to craft your goals in the most compelling way. If you’re motivated by pleasure, make sure to write out your SMART goals in terms of the amazingly positive life you will have when they’re achieved. If pain drives you to succeed, emphasize the consequences of falling short of your objectives.
It doesn’t matter which motivates you. Being clear, and using this information to your advantage, is paramount.
How does what motivates you impact your self-perception? Please comment below.
Every year beginning on Simchas Torah, the cycle of reading the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, ends and begins again. Each Sabbath a portion known as a sedra or parsha is read. It is named after the first significant word or two with which this weekly reading begins.
What verse in the Old Testament would you like to know more about? Ask a question and I will answer it in a future Parsha Nugget!
