People's decisions are often guided by concepts that are bundles of the following motivations:
📈 Goals / Fears: strategy
🛃 Setting Expectations: social modeling / ideological commitments
💍 Meeting Expectations: social roles / social norms
🌳 Personal Values: inspirations / appreciations
In this self test, however, we've reduced the bundles down to one aspect. Read the quote, then click on the toggle (▶) to find out how the concept (in italics) is guiding that person's choices.
Guess the motivation before you click the ▶ toggle!
Final Question: Identify Marcel's Motivations
🧔🏼 Marcel is walking down the street in a big city. He is late. He was supposed to meet his friend Francesca at a cafe 20 minutes ago, but a work meeting ran over the expected time. Without thinking about it directly, his mind filters the environment, directing his attention to ways to get to the cafe that are quick and safe. The sidewalks and streets, the people, bikes and cars… The advantages and dangers of different routes stand out to him.
He safely crosses the street and hears a shout. A man is crouching in front of a cup with a small paper sign that reads "please help". Marcel's mind shifts away from the cafe. He begins to notice people walking by the man with the cup. One young boy even jumps over his back. "Everyone's so focused on getting somewhere. They ought to be more caring," Marcel thinks. He pulls out some coins, and they clink into the cup. His mind shifts back to Francescsa waiting at the cafe, and he hurries off.
Francesca is sitting quietly, reading a book in a comfortable chair. As Marcel approaches, his attention is drawn again to the fact that he is late. He hopes she doesn't forget that he's usually reliable. Francesca greets him in a way that indicates she's a bit annoyed by the delay. Marcel apologizes, and politely offers to buy her another coffee. "Oh, alright. I'll just finish this chapter", she says.
As Marcel carries the coffees to their table, he begins to launch into the story of his hectic day. Francesca interrupts him, saying: "Wait, Marcel... Listen. They're playing John Coltrane. Let's be quiet for a minute. It's cozy and warm here, and you look like you could use a moment to arrive." Marcel closes his eyes, feeling himself sway silently with the melody. Francesca has directed their attentions towards being present and embodied. He feels himself swell with gratitude. To have a friend like her is a true blessing.
Identify Marcel's Motivations
📈 Goals / Fears: strategy
🛃 Setting Expectations: social modeling / ideological commitments
💍 Meeting Expectations: social roles / social norms
🌳 Personal Values: inspirations / appreciations