The Gears of Motivation: Driving Change at Every Level

The Gears of Motivation represent the different levels of drive and energy that push you forward through the Process of Change. Much like the gears in a car, these motivational states help you accelerate toward growth and personal development - or slow down when the challenges seem too great.

In the Mind Works with Craig approach, the Gears of Motivation are crucial for understanding why some days you feel unstoppable, while on other days, even simple tasks feel overwhelming. They explain why you can be highly motivated one moment and struggle with procrastination the next.

By understanding and working with these gears, you can learn to manage your energy and focus effectively, ensuring that you can push forward with purpose, no matter where you are in the Tower Block.

The Three Gears of Motivation

Each gear represents a different motivational state, corresponding to the different levels in the Tower Block. These gears help you navigate the highs and lows of your energy, emotional state, and stress levels.

1. Physical/Physiological Gear (Tower Block Levels -1 to 2)

   • This is the lowest gear, where motivation is focused on basic survival and safety needs. At these levels, your body and mind are primarily concerned with maintaining stability. It’s difficult to think about long-term goals or higher aspirations when you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in the "basement" of the Tower Block.
   • Example: On days when you're feeling completely drained, anxious, or burnt out, you may find that your primary motivation is just getting through the day—taking care of your immediate physical and emotional needs.

2. Comfort/Relief Gear (Tower Block Levels 3 to 5)

   • This gear kicks in when you’re feeling somewhat balanced but still have an underlying sense of discomfort or stress. Here, the motivation is to seek comfort or avoid discomfort. You may not be in full survival mode, but you’re not at your most productive either. In this gear, you’re looking for relief from stress or small wins to boost your mood.
   • Example: You may find yourself completing tasks just to "tick them off the list" or engaging in activities that provide quick emotional relief, like scrolling through social media or eating comfort food.

3. Personal Growth Gear (Tower Block Levels 6 to 10)

   • In this higher gear, you’re motivated by growth goals, aspirations, and higher-level thinking. This is where you feel connected to your Future/Ideal Self and are working toward meaningful outcomes. You’re able to focus on larger projects, make progress on personal growth, and feel aligned with your purpose.
   • Example: On days when you’re feeling well-rested, focused, and clear-headed, you can work toward your personal growth and development with a sense of purpose and motivation, pushing yourself to achieve more.

Navigating the Gears

Understanding which gear you’re in is essential to making progress. The Gears of Motivation help you adjust your expectations and behaviours based on your current mental and physical state. Instead of feeling frustrated when you’re not as productive as you’d like to be, you can recognise that you might be operating in a lower gear—and that’s okay.

Here’s how to work with the Gears of Motivation:

• Physical/Physiological Gear: When you're in this gear, focus on self-care. Rest, recover, and manage stress before pushing yourself too hard. Trying to force productivity at these lower levels can lead to burnout.

• Comfort/Relief Gear: When you're here, focus on small, manageable tasks that provide a sense of accomplishment without overwhelming you. This gear is perfect for doing things that bring a bit of relief or joy, like ticking off small tasks, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in light exercise.

• Growth Gear: This is where you can really push yourself. When you're feeling aligned and motivated, focus on your growth and bigger projects. Use this gear to move forward with significant progress and momentum.

Why the Gears of Motivation Matter

The Gears of Motivation are about recognising that you won’t always feel highly driven every single day—and that’s normal. Motivation fluctuates, and by understanding which gear you’re in, you can better manage your energy, set realistic expectations, and make progress without burning out.

Rather than seeing yourself as unmotivated or lazy on tough days, you can learn to shift gears and give yourself permission to focus on what you need most in that moment. Likewise, when you’re feeling motivated, you can capitalise on that energy and really push forward.

Moving Forward with the Gears of Motivation

The Gears of Motivation work in harmony with the other core concepts of Mind Works—like the Tower Block and the Pillars of Health. By strengthening these pillars, you’ll find that it becomes easier to move into the higher gears more frequently, increasing your capacity for growth and change.

Ready to take control of your motivation? Explore the next core concept: The Map Of The Subconscious, and discover how a solid foundation in these areas can keep you moving up through the gears, helping you achieve long-lasting change.