What is intrinsic motivation? It is the drive that comes from within you, not from external rewards or pressures. It is the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment that you get from doing something that aligns with your values and interests. It is the spark that ignites your passion and curiosity.
Why is intrinsic motivation important for change? Because change is hard. It requires effort, persistence, and courage. It means stepping out of your comfort zone and facing uncertainty and challenges. It means breaking old habits and forming new ones. It means learning new skills and adapting to new situations.
If you rely on extrinsic motivation for change, such as money, praise, or fear of punishment, you may not have enough fuel to sustain your journey. You may lose interest, give up, or resent the process. You may feel like you are doing it for someone else, not for yourself.
But if you have intrinsic motivation for change, you will have a powerful source of energy and inspiration. You will enjoy the process of learning and growing. You will feel proud of your achievements and confident in your abilities. You will feel like you are doing it for yourself, not for anyone else.
How can you cultivate intrinsic motivation for change? Here are some tips:
Find your why. Identify the purpose and meaning behind your change goal. What do you want to achieve? Why do you want to achieve it? How does it relate to your values and aspirations?
Choose your how. Select the methods and strategies that suit your preferences and strengths. How do you want to achieve your goal? What are the best ways for you to learn and improve? How can you make it fun and engaging?
Celebrate your progress. Track and acknowledge your milestones and accomplishments. How far have you come? What have you learned? What have you overcome? How can you reward yourself?
Seek feedback and support. Connect with others who share your vision and can offer guidance and encouragement. Who can help you along the way? What can you learn from them? How can you support them?
Intrinsic motivation is a key factor for successful and lasting change. It can help you overcome obstacles, enhance your performance, and increase your happiness. So find your spark, follow your passion, and enjoy the journey!
Unlearning is a powerful process that can transform your life. It means letting go of old beliefs, habits, and patterns that no longer serve you. It means leaving your comfort zone and abandoning the familiar surroundings that keep you stuck in a rut. It means opening yourself up to new possibilities, new challenges, and new experiences.
When you unlearn what you know and what is familiar, you create space for discovering new grounds. You can explore different aspects of yourself, your potential, and your purpose. You can learn new skills, develop new mindsets, and connect with new people. You can grow as a person and as a professional.
Yes, it can be scary sometimes to unlearn what you have been taught for years. But this is what learning is all about. It is not a linear process that ends when you graduate from school or get a certificate. It is a lifelong journey that requires curiosity, courage, and creativity.
So don’t be afraid to unlearn what no longer serves you. Instead, embrace it as an opportunity to reinvent yourself and your life. You will be amazed by what you can achieve when you set a new direction and a new destination for yourself.
Today I want to talk about a controversial topic: happiness makes you lazy. I know it sounds counterintuitive but hear me out.
You see, when you are happy, you feel satisfied with your life. You don’t have any problems to solve, any challenges to overcome, any goals to pursue. You are content with what you have and who you are. You don’t want or need to change anything or improve yourself.
But that’s exactly the problem. When you are happy, you stop growing. You stop learning. You stop trying new things. You become complacent and comfortable. You lose your curiosity and your motivation. You settle for less than you deserve.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that happiness is bad or that you should be miserable all the time. Happiness is a wonderful feeling and a worthy pursuit. But it should not be your ultimate destination. It should be a by-product of your journey.
Happiness is not a state of being. It’s a state of mind. It’s a choice that you make every day. And sometimes, that choice involves doing things that are hard, scary, or uncomfortable. Things that make you grow, learn, and improve. Things that make you feel alive.
So don’t let happiness make you lazy. Let it inspire you to do more, be more, and achieve more. Let it fuel your passion and your purpose. Let it challenge you and push you beyond your limits.
Because happiness is not the end of the road. It’s the road itself.
Many people think that spirituality and business are incompatible, but I believe that they can go hand in hand. Spirituality is not about following a specific religion or dogma, but about finding your own meaning and purpose in life. It is about connecting with your inner self, your values, your passions, and your higher power.
Business, on the other hand, is often seen as a cold and rational pursuit of profit and success. It is about competing with others, meeting deadlines, and achieving goals. It is about following rules, regulations, and standards.
But what if you could combine the best of both worlds? What if you could bring more spirituality into your business-life, and more business into your spirituality? What if you could create a harmonious balance between your personal and professional growth?
Here are some ways that you can incorporate spirituality in your business-life:
Start your day with a meditation or a prayer. This will help you to center yourself, calm your mind, and set your intentions for the day. You can also use this time to express gratitude for what you have and ask for guidance from your higher power.
Align your business with your values and mission. Make sure that what you do and how you do it reflects who you are and what you stand for. Don’t compromise your integrity or ethics for short-term gains or external pressures. Be authentic and transparent in your dealings with others.
Treat everyone with respect and compassion. Whether they are your customers, employees, partners, suppliers, or competitors, remember that they are human beings with feelings, needs, and aspirations. Listen to them, empathize with them, and help them whenever you can. Don’t judge them or take advantage of them.
Seek feedback and learn from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from others who have more experience or expertise than you. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve yourself and your business. Don’t dwell on your failures or blame others for them. Learn from them and move on.
Celebrate your achievements and share your blessings. Don’t be shy to acknowledge your accomplishments and reward yourself for your hard work. You deserve it! But also don’t forget to share your success and happiness with others who have supported you along the way. Give back to your community and contribute to causes that matter to you.
Keep growing and evolving. Don’t settle for mediocrity or complacency. Always strive to learn new things, explore new opportunities, and challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something different. Keep in touch with your inner self and follow your intuition.
By incorporating spirituality in your business-life, you will not only achieve more success and satisfaction, but also more joy and fulfillment. You will not only make a living, but also make a difference. You will not only work hard, but also work smart.
So go ahead and embrace spirituality in your business-life. You will be amazed by the results!
Do you ever feel like you are not in control of your own life? Like you are just following someone else’s agenda, or reacting to whatever comes your way? Do you wish you could have more clarity, purpose and direction in your life?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this blog post is for you. In this post, I will share with you some tips on how to be the CEO of your own life. Being the CEO of your own life means that you are the one who sets the vision, goals and strategies for your life. You are the one who makes the decisions and takes the actions that align with your values and passions. You are the one who leads yourself and others towards a sustainable future.
Why is this important? Because we are living in a time of unprecedented challenges and opportunities. We are facing a global crisis that requires a human transformation. We need to shift from individualistic behavior towards a collective effort. We need to look at the (business) world with a holistic mindset. We need to create solutions that are good for people, planet and profit.
But we cannot do this alone. We need conscious leaders who are capable and willing to come up with ideas and actions to lead us out of this mess. We need courageous thinkers who can challenge the status quo and inspire others to do the same. We need brave do-ers who can execute their vision and make an impact.
Are you one of these conscious leaders? Are you ready to be the CEO of your own life?
If so, here are some steps you can take to start your journey:
Define your vision. What is your purpose in life? What do you want to achieve? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Write down your vision statement and keep it somewhere visible. Or watch our intro video on finding your values
Set your goals. Based on your vision, what are the specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound goals that you want to accomplish? Break them down into short-term and long-term goals and prioritize them according to importance and urgency.
Create your strategies. How will you achieve your goals? What are the actions that you need to take? What are the resources that you need? What are the obstacles that you might face? How will you overcome them? Plan your strategies and schedule them in your calendar.
Take action. Now that you have your plan, it’s time to execute it. Follow through on your commitments and track your progress. Celebrate your wins and learn from your failures. Adjust your plan as needed and keep moving forward.
Lead yourself and others. Being the CEO of your own life also means that you are a leader for others. You can influence, inspire and empower others to join you in your mission. You can share your vision, goals and strategies with them and invite them to collaborate with you. You can also seek feedback, support and guidance from others who can help you grow. So join our Club on LinkedIn to share and inspire others.
By following these steps, you can be the CEO of your own life. You can take charge of your destiny and make a difference in the world. You can be a conscious leader who creates a sustainable future for yourself and others.
Are you ready to take this challenge? If so, let me know in the comments below what is your vision, goals and strategies for being the CEO of your own life.
In this text, I will explore some of the challenges and opportunities that we face in our work and life in the 21st century. I will argue that we need to be more critical, vulnerable and authentic in our communications, and more conscious and collaborative in our actions. I will also suggest some ways to create a social economy that values human well-being and happiness over money and status.
One of the challenges that we face is to gain new insights by being critical of what’s happening around us and inside us. We often take things for granted or accept them as they are, without questioning their validity or impact. We need to be more curious and open-minded, and challenge the assumptions and norms that shape our reality. We also need to be more aware of our own feelings, thoughts and motivations, and how they influence our decisions and behaviors. We need to be honest with ourselves and others, and acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses.
Another challenge is to be vulnerable in our communications. Vulnerability means to expose ourselves to the risk of being hurt or rejected, but also to the possibility of being seen and accepted as we are. It means to share our emotions, opinions and experiences with others, without hiding or pretending. It means to listen empathically and respectfully to others, without judging or interrupting. It means to seek feedback and learn from others, without being defensive or arrogant. Being vulnerable can help us build trust, understanding and connection with others.
A third challenge is to stay true to our own self. This means to act in alignment with our values, beliefs and goals, and not to compromise them for external rewards or pressures. It means to express our uniqueness and creativity, and not to conform to the expectations or standards of others. It means to pursue our passions and interests, and not to settle for less than what we deserve. Staying true to ourselves can help us find meaning, fulfilment and happiness in our work and life.
However, staying true to ourselves also requires us to think about and make choices about our work and life standards. We need to ask ourselves: What do we want from our work? Is it money or fulfilment? Do we strive for success or happiness? How do we define success and happiness? How do we balance our work and life? How do we cope with stress and burnout? How do we deal with change and uncertainty?
These questions are becoming more relevant as the world is changing rapidly and unpredictably. The old securities that we used to rely on after the war, such as pension, income, status, fixed position etc., are diminishing or disappearing. The traditional system of work that treats people as production tools is failing us. A large percentage of workers is not finding satisfaction in their work. Many employees don’t like their job or feel trapped in it. Many people develop coping mechanisms to survive, such as escapism, addiction or denial. As a result, we experience more stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
We need a new system of work that respects people as human beings. A system that allows us to grow, learn and contribute as individuals and as a society. A system that fosters collaboration, innovation and diversity. A system that creates value for all stakeholders, not just for shareholders. A system that supports a social economy.
A social economy is about working together for the common good. It is about putting people before profit. It is about creating products and services that solve real problems and improve lives. It is about measuring success by the level of happiness and well-being of everyone everywhere.
To create a social economy, we need a new utopia. We need a new vision of how we want to live together in harmony with ourselves, each other and nature. We need new conscious leaders who can inspire us with their values, actions and stories. We need different community models that are initiated by the people themselves.
We also need a new mindset. We need to stop following the system like sheep because it gives us a false sense of security and convenience. We need to stop feeling guilty if things are not going as expected because it is not our fault but the system’s fault. We need to stop being motivated by money, status or materialism because they do not bring us lasting happiness.
We need to start taking responsibility for our own lives and happiness. We need to start being more proactive, creative and courageous in pursuing our dreams. We need to start being more compassionate, generous and grateful in sharing our gifts with others.
We live in a time of crisis and uncertainty. A time when the system that governs us is failing to meet our needs and aspirations. A time when we feel powerless and voiceless. But we are not alone. We are not helpless. We are not hopeless. We have the power to change the system, to revolt against the status quo, to create a new reality.
We have to make changes by starting with little protests. By making it visible where the power lies. By telling stories about successful transformations. By using the system in a different and just way. By working together on what we want, as real human beings. By bringing back the human aspect in our work. By saying no to what’s there and saying yes to what we desire.
What is our Utopia? We don’t want a job or work, we want food, a house, and other basic needs. So what are the alternatives? Who represents us these days? Is it the politicians? The employers? The church? Do we want strong leaders to guide us, or should we take the lead ourselves? Should we re-shuffle power and have communities with their own chosen leaders? Communities based on a common interest and goals? Where trust and purpose are a natural cause for living together?
We are too much dependent on elements of a system that is not ours anymore. The obvious securities of the past are not valid anymore. Which of these securities do we still want in this ever-evolving society? What do we need as a community to protect our common interests?
Let’s be more critical and not depend on what’s offered to us, but look at alternatives and different scenarios. Nothing is obvious anymore, question everything. Change is mandatory, revolt is necessary, utopia is possible.
Many people today are faced with a dilemma: should they work for money or pursue a more fulfilling and meaningful life without work? Work is often seen as a necessary evil, a way to earn a living and pay the bills. But is it really the only option? And what does work mean for our happiness and well-being?
WORK AS A CHOICE
Some people argue that work is a choice, not an obligation. They believe that we have the freedom to decide what kind of work we want to do, how much we want to do it, and when we want to do it. They see work as an expression of our creativity, passion and purpose. They claim that work can bring us joy, satisfaction and growth as human beings.
According to this view, work is not something that we have to do, but something that we want to do. Work is not a burden, but a blessing. Work is not a source of stress, but a source of happiness.
WORK AS A RIGHT
Others argue that work is a right, not a privilege. They believe that everyone deserves to have access to decent and dignified work that provides them with income, security and social recognition. They see work as an essential part of our human dignity and social inclusion. They claim that work can protect us from poverty, inequality and exclusion.
According to this view, work is not something that we can choose or refuse, but something that we need and demand. Work is not an option, but an entitlement. Work is not a luxury, but a necessity.
WORK IN CRISIS
However, both views face some challenges in the current context of economic and social crisis. The global pandemic has disrupted many sectors of the economy and caused massive unemployment and underemployment. Many people have lost their jobs or seen their incomes reduced drastically. Many others have been forced to accept precarious or exploitative working conditions or risk their health and safety on the frontlines.
At the same time, the traditional model of work based on money, status and materialism is being questioned by many people who are looking for more balance, meaning and well-being in their lives.
A NEW PARADIGM FOR WORK
So how can we reconcile these different perspectives on work? How can we create a new paradigm for work that respects both our choice and our right to work? How can we make sure that everyone has access to decent and fulfilling work in a changing world? One possible answer is to adopt a more holistic and humanistic approach to work. An approach that recognizes that work is not only about money, but also about goods, services, knowledge, culture, care, community and environment.
An approach that values not only productivity, but also creativity, cooperation, diversity, solidarity and sustainability. An approach that empowers not only employers, but also workers, consumers, citizens and stakeholders. Such an approach would require us to rethink our economic system and our social policies to make them more inclusive and democratic. It would also require us to rethink our personal attitudes and behaviors to make them more mindful and compassionate. By doing so, we might be able to transform work from a problem to a solution for ourselves and for society.
Finding your purpose isn’t that difficult. It just needs some imagination and self knowledge. Here are the three steps to define your purpose.
STEP 1
Start with imagining your ideal world – in 10 years from now. How would this Utopia look like? What would be different and do you see solutions to make this ideal world happen? For example, maybe your ideal world is one where everyone is happy, healthy and wealthy. Maybe you see a world where there is no war, no poverty and no pollution. Maybe you envision a world where humans and animals live in harmony, where technology is advanced and accessible, and where art and culture flourish.
STEP 2
Ask yourself how you can contribute, with all your typical human capacities, to accomplish this ideal world. What would be your role in this story? Which “holy” duty do you see for yourself? How do you want to be remembered? For example, maybe you want to be a leader, a healer, a teacher, a creator, a protector, a supporter or a challenger. Maybe you want to be known for your kindness, your courage, your wisdom, your creativity, your generosity or your humor.
STEP 3
If you have defined your role by now, think about which elements you need to integrate in each part of your life. What would be your daily focus, habits and tasks to fulfill your purpose? For example, maybe you need to learn new skills, meet new people, travel to new places, join new causes, start new projects or change old habits. Maybe you need to prioritize your health, your relationships, your passions, your growth or your impact.
And that’s it! You have just defined your purpose in three easy steps. Congratulations! Now go out there and live it! And remember: finding your purpose is not a one-time thing. It’s an ongoing process that evolves with you. So keep imagining, keep asking and keep integrating. And have fun along the way!
Many people are publishing articles about the rapid development of technology and how it effects our world. Our life’s are speeding up, time is money in our work, you only live once etcetera. But honestly, we know all this, so let’s look at it from a different perspective. Let’s start with my statement to see if you are critical and awake…
We should skip the time addiction, and eliminate it out of our lives. Time is a tool of our (past) production era, and not applicable (anymore) if we want to be happy in the present.
Hans van de Rakt
Everything we do every day in our (modern) society is based on the clock, and the duration of our efforts. We set our alarm to wake up, and not awakening by the rising sun-light, the annoying and loud rooster, or the biological rhythm of our body. We go to our work by train, which is departing at 7:30 precisely. If you’re 30 seconds late you might have a problem. When you finally arrive at work your boss is waiting for you and would spank you, because you took 5 minutes from his time of production, you get the picture, right? So there is no natural behavior or flow anymore, we are driven by a mechanism which is invented for a rational reason in the past century, which has nothing to do with (y)our well-being, but with someone else’s needs, interests or advantages.
On a different and perhaps larger scale it is the pace of our societal system. With societal system I point to the political system, the economic system, the cultural system etc. Please take also into consideration the high speed of technological developments, which is taking place now. The effect of all technical developments into the different systems is with such great impact and intensity, we sometimes forget to realize the huge effects of it in our systems, in our society and in the end, in our own personal lives.
Under influence of these technical developments, some systems are developing more rapidly than others. This means that some systems are old fashioned, and others have adapted to the new reality. For example, the political system is still based on a four-year cycle of elections and decision making, while the economic system is changing every day with new innovations and markets. This creates a mismatch between what people expect from their governments and what they can actually deliver. I call this a asynchrone system flow.
So what can we do to cope with this situation? How can we escape from the time addiction that is imposed on us by external forces? How can we find happiness in the present moment instead of chasing after future goals? I think one possible answer is to slow down and reconnect with ourselves and nature. To appreciate the simple things in life that make us feel alive and joyful. To question the assumptions and norms that shape our behavior and values. To find our own rhythm and flow that suits our needs and desires and not that of others.
I hope this article has given you some food for thought and inspired you to think differently about time and its role in your life. Remember that time is not a fixed entity that controls us, but a tool that we can use creatively and wisely. We should skip the time addiction, and eliminate it out of our lives. Time is a tool of our (past) production era, and not applicable (anymore) if we want to be happy in the present.
Business Hippie Club 