285: Luci Dumas: The Psychology of Motivation
Hey, it’s Luci Dumas, and today’s solo episode is a little different because I am sort of “journaling” about my experiences around the topic and looking for my own answers as I explore a topic that’s been on my mind lately: motivation. Specifically, how we can find it, sustain it, and even question whether we always need it. Is it okay to just be sometimes? To live a simpler life without constantly striving for the next big thing? It’s a big question, and one that I’ve been pondering deeply.
As I thought about motivation, I kept coming back to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. You might remember it from a psychology class—it’s that pyramid of five human needs. It got me wondering: can understanding these levels help us reignite our drive when it feels like the spark is fading?
In this episode, I break down each level of Maslow’s pyramid:
• The basics like food and shelter.
• Our need for safety and security.
• The desire for connection and belonging.
• Building self-esteem and feeling accomplished.
• And finally, the quest for self-actualization—living our best, most fulfilling life.
I’ll share some thoughts on how these needs might be influencing your motivation—or lack of it. Plus, we’ll tackle that ever-present voice saying, “I should be doing more,” and decide if it’s always true. Spoiler: sometimes it’s okay to give yourself grace.
Some of the ideas on how to become or stay motivated I explore are suggestions to
• Identify the Blockages:
• Set Goals Aligned with Your Needs:
• Reflect and Reassess:
• Leverage Higher Levels for Inspiration
Tune in for a mix of self-reflection, practical tips, and maybe even a spark to get you motivated—or at least, to help you feel okay with where you are right now.
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