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 the ego if you took a risk and failed. Failure-Evaders wouldn’t be able to cope with this stress and would prefer to take the safe bet.

Ambition. Success-Seekers are able to plan into the future and set higher goals for themselves. They might need to see through the clouds to look ahead into the future – not everyday will be “sunny and clear” – but they are able to do so to clearly identify their goals and their surroundings. By looking ahead and envisioning the future, they’re more likely to see the bumps along the path and plan ahead to bypass them or minimize their effects. Failure-Evaders are more short-term oriented. They don’t plan for the long-term win, but rather, the 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 products or services, develop relationships, take risks and be creative? Are you more likely to not only achieve your goals but also surpass them? If so, you’re more likely to be a Success-Seeker.

Success-Seekers are:

Creative

Willing to take calculated risks

Not satisfied with the status quo

Willing to 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 because you 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 are:

Not willing to take calculated risks for fear of failure

Satisfied with the 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

Read Part 2 of Success-Seeker vs Failure-Evader. Which side are you on?

Be Sociable, Share!

• 
•