Types of Motivation
Psychologists have found two types of motivation. The first, extrinsic, is connected to seeking a reward and avoiding punishment. The second, intrinsic, is associated with personal desires, aptitudes, and affinities. For example, a student motivated extrinsically will perform well in school get good grades or to avoid their parents’ wrath. A student motivated intrinsically will excel in school because education is important to them or because they enjoy learning.
Extrinsic Motivation and Sensation
Because Sensors are so rooted in the physical world, they tend to respond more to certain extrinsic rewards than Intuitives. This is partly because Intuitive types are less aware of rewards or punishments that may exist, or because they don’t take them seriously. Many Intuitives teens will not start working until they can get into a job they think they will like. Meanwhile, Sensory types are diligently sweating away the hours at jobs they don’t like so they can get money to buy the things they want. Likewise, young Intuitives are more likely to rebel when threatened with punishment, while Sensors will usually do what they can to avoid it. A significant reason for this is that Intuitives’ behavior is dictated by their beliefs, and forcing them to do something they don’t believe in often doesn’t work. Sensors’ beliefs, however, are often developed based on their behavior, so once they start doing what they are asked, their belief in it will increase, making rebellion less likely.
Watchfulness
Extrinsic motivation may be more effective for Sensors because they are so aware of the world around them and connect to it through experiences rather than ideals. The observant nature of Sensors assists in both guarding them and others from danger as well as taking advantage of opportunities. They first seek information from the outside world, and even attribute their feelings to external sources. Sensors seek to unify their experiences into one great whole. They want to feel capable of handling anything life throws at them, and they believe that keeping their eyes open is the first step.
Alertness
Sensors are usually more sensitive to changes in the world around them. They can often detect the slightest variation in lighting, temperature, humidity, air current, fragrance, texture, sound, taste, and appearance, and they can use these elements in creating an ambience of their choosing. They are on watch against predators and other dangers, seeking to stay safe and protect others. Self-presentation is very important to them, and they will often invest in clothing and products that will help them look their best.
Reactiveness
Gradual change is tolerable to most Sensors, if it is justified; but push too hard, and they tend to dig in their heels. Sensors think that the way things are now is generally how they should be, although many long for earlier and simpler times. They tend to favor the status quo, and will resist social and political change, reacting swiftly in opposition of it. They are also quick to react to physical stimuli, and can perform well as drivers, dancers, and combatants, in customer support, athletics and sports. Anywhere they can use their quick reflexes to good advantage. It is notable that when the edicts of the powers that be become intolerable, Reactive Sensors will quickly flip sides, throwing everything they have against their oppressors. George Washington is an example of a Sensory type who was in just such a situation.
Sensibleness
Common sense is ironically in short supply in modern culture. In part, this foundational wisdom is meant to assist young people in becoming old people, along with hitting all the expected milestones along the way. There are proper ways of doing things like finding a job, dating, getting married, starting a family, and taking care of that family, and those who are sensible will stick to them. At least, so believe proponents of common sense. They would be quick to point out that the reason things are falling apart today is because doing the right thing has become an uncommon practice. As Sensors get older, they add to their collection of experiences further lessons gleaned from stories told by family members, friends, and acquaintances that they respect, especially those well-known to possess a good deal of common sense. In this way, they accumulate colloquial wisdom from which they may regularly draw in seeking guidance.
Where do you fit in?
Are you a Watchful person? Do you think you have any of the strengths listed above? If you haven’t taken the Trait Spectrum yet, it may be time. There is no set number of questions to answer, but most people get solid results in a matter of minutes.