A recent N.Y Times article cited the work of Adam Grant, professor at the Wharton School. Grant has been influential in his work on motivation in the workplace.  Google turns to Grant’s wisdom and research when encountering her own problems, according to Prasad Setty, head of Google’s “people analytics.”

Grant’s research strongly suggests that the greatest untapped source of motivation is focusing on how our work contributes to other people, as opposed to concern for self interest. He has solid evidence and case studies to back it up!  People’s motivation to work increases as they are able to see how their work contributes to the well-being of others.  In April his book, Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success, will be released.  I look forward to learning more.

This characteristic of serving the interests of others is also one of the core components of Emotional Intelligence Health.  Studies again suggest that the most fulfilled, motivated, optimistic and happy individuals are those who are engaged in making others’ lives better.

Can I really be happy, more fulfilled and more productive by thinking of others? Yes, you can.  AI maintains this value throughout our organization and we exist because volunteers with us embrace it.  As I have said many times, AI would have no services to offer if people did not think they could find fulfillment this way!

I believe Augustine of Hippo connects what may seem like divergent thoughts. Many, many years ago, he wrote:

“Every man, whatsoever his condition, desires to be happy. There is no man who does not desire this, and each one desires it with such earnestness that he prefers it to all other things; whoever, in fact, desires other things, desires them for this end alone.”

Augustine is saying: we all want to be happy and we will all choose a course of action, both in the short and long term that we believe will get us there. We will make choices based on what we believe brings us the most happiness.  The giver believes he/she will be happier if they give. The taker believes he/she will be happiest if they think only of themselves.  Studies suggest, according to Grant, EQ, and others, that giving is the most fulfilling route.

Ask yourself this question, “How is my life, right now, contributing to the well being of others?”  If it is not, look for places, through work and leisure, to live for the betterment of others. We are all focused on being ready for our tomorrow. Lets think of others’ tomorrows as well. Can we make someone else’s better?