Podcast Episode 262 - Decoding the Puzzle of Human Motivation Part 3 – Does a Need for Variety Drive You?
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Do you struggle with shiny object syndrome or FOMO?
Have you ever started a routine or habit and quickly shifted to a new one before establishing the old one?
Are you always up for an adventure but feel like those around you are poo-pooing your adventurous spirit?
It’s part three of decoding the puzzle of human motivation. It’s time to tackle the need that can lead you to a life of fun but miss out on what matters most.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of people thinking you’re flighty.
If you desire to learn how to focus on what matters.
If you’re ready to apply your exuberant energy to reach new heights.
There are six human needs. We need them all, but a couple of them drive us and shape the quality of our lives. This can be positive or negative depending on how we’re trying to meet our needs.
In the last episode, we learned about the need for certainty. We all need some certainty, but when it’s our number one need, it can cause us to avoid any risks that can cause issues with our relationships and hinder our growth as a person and what we can contribute to the world through our purpose.
What the Need for Uncertainty/Variety Looks Like:
Seeks excitement and change.
Focused on what’s new and exciting or challenging.
While involved in an adventure, planning the next one.
Needs to focus energy on several projects.
Constantly seek stimulation and entertainment.
Avoid a life of habits and routines.
Relationships that restrict me from new challenges and new experiences are hard on you.
Avoid boredom.
Strengths
Enthusiastic, independent and fun to be with.
Never a dull moment.
See the glass half full.
Leader.
Life of the party.
Not afraid of taking risks.
Playful and optimistic.
Communication Style
Like to talk about different projects and adventures.
Enthusiastic in your conversation that you forget to listen to the other person or to ask their opinion.
Sometimes, you become restless and need to stand up and walk around during a conversation.
Words that you frequently use are: fear, instability, change, chaos, entertainment, suspense, exertion, surprise, conflict and crisis.
How Handle Stress
When I don’t have the time or the means to become involved in new challenges and adventures.
Routine life.
Your physical condition prevents you from participating in activities you like.
Restrictions on your freedom.
Get Defensive When
Someone attempts to impose routines or schedules or to restrict your social life.
Could get angry when people criticize your desire for adventure and entertainment.
How Emotions Show Up
Like to feel excited, thrilled, exuberant, joyful, and adventurous.
Do everything possible to avoid boredom.
Experience a broad range of emotions makes it easy for me to empathize with and experience what others are experiencing.
Why Might You Crave Uncertainty/Variety:
What Uncertainty/Variety Believes:
Believe that happiness comes from having many different experiences and challenges that exercise my emotional, intellectual or physical range.
Your emotional well-being requires uncertainty, suspense and surprise.
Need the excitement that comes from variety.
How This Belief Serves You:
Have many interests.
People usually see you as entertaining, dynamic, interesting and fun.
Can always find new things to do and new adventures.
Many friends from different backgrounds.
Interact well with people of all ages and all walks of life.
Trusting and thinking the best of people.
Not quickly bored because I can always find something interesting to do.
Fun-loving and carefree.
Usually upbeat and enjoy life to the fullest.
The Principles You Lost Sight Of This Principle
To have balance in life, there are times when you have to prioritize stability and responsibility in relationships.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to focus on subjects and tasks that are not interesting so you can obtain rewards later on.
Can’t always trust everyone.
The Consequences of Losing Sight of This Principle
People sometimes feel they can’t count on me,
People can feel you’re uncommitted, unreliable or don’t take care of your loved ones.
You can be involved in too many things and neglect what you must do to ensure you and your family are safe and comfortable.
Can get myself into dangerous or difficult situations physically, emotionally and financially.
Sometimes, you can be careless about important things to you and others.
Trusting, optimistic nature allows people to take advantage of me.
Studying, memorizing and sitting still can be difficult and may result in challenges in your career.
Can become unfocused.
Growth Tactics If Need for Uncertainty/Variety is Holding You Back:
Goals for Growth:
Have roots, stability and permanent relationships while enjoying excitement and adventure.
Make taking good care of yourself and others a priority.
Become a better judge of character.
Live in the present more than in the future.
What Can You Do to Achieve Your Goal?
Focus more on the present and less on the next adventure in the future.
Create a stable, harmonious environment for yourself.
Develop long-lasting relationships.
Focus on activities that are not particularly exciting but lead to important accomplishments in the future.
What Could Interfere with Your Goal?
An infinite number of new, exciting experiences are open to me. Difficult to choose which to focus on.
It’s challenging to stay focused on what’s essential in the present.
Sometimes, focus too much on yourself and what you want.
Easily distracted and diverted.
How Others Can Support You in Your Goal.
Others can support you by encouraging and praising you when you stick to a task that isn’t particularly exciting.
Praise you when you take steps towards taking care of yourself
Encourage you when you provide stability for yourself and your loved ones.
People can help you to stay in the present.
Homework:
Pick a goal to focus on in the present that may not be exciting now but will reap great rewards in the future.
Enlist others to support and encourage you in this goal.
Find ways to make the goal fun so you can keep going.
When you get bored with your goal or see a better one, remind yourself of the reward you’ll reap in the future if you stick with it.
If you need more help overcoming an excessive need for uncertainty or variety, check out the Joy-Filled Life online course. One of the benefits is you’ll learn how to focus your thoughts better. It’s on special for only $7 until 9/15/23.
I also have the Mirror Moments devotional on sale for $5 plus shipping. So, if you need help shifting your focus from negative to seeing yourself in Christ, check it out. Heatherbunch.com/store