Individuals are more motivated to avoid failure than they are motivated to achieve success. Put another way, most people aren't motivated to finish in first place as much as they're motivated to not finish in last place. Are you looking to achieve success or to avoid failure?There are those who are motivated to succeed ("Success-Seekers") and then there are those who are motivated to avoid failure ("Failure-Evaders") with a few distinct differences between them.
Failure. Success-Seekers embrace failure. They know that each mistake they make will be another step closer to victory. Failure-Evaders sense failure and avoid it at all costs. In turn, they aren't able to learn and grow, but instead they do just enough to simply pass and are pleased by this.
Risk. Taking more calculated risks is common for Success-Seekers. They take more risks, make more mistakes (but learn from them) and can accept embarrassment every once in a while if something doesn't pan out. It can be quite humbling to put pride in your back pocket and take a hit to
ego if you took a risk and failed. Failure-Evaders wouldn't be able to cope with this stress and would prefer not to take safe bet.
Ambition. Success-Seekers are able to plan into future and set higher goals for themselves. They might need to see through clouds to look ahead into future -- not everyday will be 'sunny and clear' -- but are able to do so to clearly identify their goals and their surroundings. By looking ahead and envisioning future, they're more likely to see bumps along path and plan ahead to bypass them or minimize its' effects. Failure-Evaders are more short-term oriented. They don't plan for long-term win, but rather, short-term "pass". They may achieve their goals, but their goals are often more easily attainable and unchallenging.
Success-Seeker
Are you motivated to create brand new, unique products or services, develop new relationships, take risks and be creative? Are you more likely to not only achieve your goals but surpass them? If so, you're more likely to be a Success-Seeker.
Success-Seekers hold these characteristics:
Creativity Willing to take calculated risks Not satisfied with status quo Embrace change Ambitious Future-Oriented Fast-Paced Cool, Calm and Collected Decision Makers Problem Solvers Leaders
Failure-Evader
Are you motivated to achieve your goals because you don't want to look bad, or want to prove that you can achieve what your neighbor can too? Are you satisfied if you simply pass? If so, then you're a Failure-Evader.
Failure-Evaders hold these characteristics:
Prefer "the routine" Not willing to take calculated risks for fear of failure Satisfied with status quo Afraid of change More comfortable in familiar environments Worried about what others think of them Satisfied by not being in last place Not Ambitious More Anxious Short-Term Oriented Followers
