Motivation

Traditional lines of thinking emphasize competencies alongside conceptions of independence and autonomy (Deci & Ryan, 2014; Ryan & Deci, 2017). One is competent when they can effectively use their skills (Miserandino, 1996; Niemiec & Ryan, 2009), and if one sees themselves as being authentic, a sense of autonomy develops (Skinner & Pitzer, 2012). As competencies and autonomy grow, the individual begins to see themselves as the sources of their own actions and become motivated (Diener, 1984). When one is able to do things by oneself while continuing to develop and sustains their motivation then they are considered resilient.

Social connectedness is an additional and critical element of well-being (Diener, 1984). It is one of the few environmental variables that researchers have found can mitigate the negative effects of coping (Rice & Lapsley, 2001); incite joy (Fox, 2008); and increase the life satisfaction of those who struggle (Pavot & Diener, 2008). Considering our relationships can bring about feelings of social connectedness and in turn, they meet the essential psychological needs and foster wellbeing (Deci & Ryan, 2014). Bringing the social component into the theorizing of motivation could provide an additional insight needed to deepen the understanding of earning eminence.

Intellectual Connectedness

Hagerty et al. (1996) described connectedness as a state that occurs when actively involved with a person, group, or environment. It is an experience of comfort that is fostered by an innate sense of trust. Extending on this, Stavrova and Luhmann (2016) conceptualized three forms of connectedness in their exploration of life satisfaction. These included intimate (marriage), relational (family), and collective (belonging to a larger community). Researchers here were interested in the longitudinal influence of these relationships. They found that having “a sense of belonging to a larger community is a more important (actually, the only significant) source of meaning in life than close attachments” (p. 5). When considering achievement, community connectedness develops at conferences or events related to one’s fields of interest. We are able to engage with others in our common interests. This intellectual connectedness brings meaning to our lives and the depth of connectedness we feel fosters our individual well-being.

Music
Future Islands. (2014). “Seasons (Waiting on you),” Singles. 4AD.

Competency & Autonomy

When we are competent, we are able to do something effectively. This conception emphasizes a development that from Vygotsky’s perspective (1978), occurs within a Zone of Proximal Development. Here, one individual has more knowledge and supports another such that their abilities become matched. In collaborative relationships, the intimacy developed can create a ZPD for individual careers.

Achievement in our careers often requires that we develop a diverse range of skills (i.e. writing, editing, networking, presenting). To accomplish this breadth of proficiency though, we are unable to devote the time necessary to develop the depth of knowledge needed for mastery. We become good in our work, but not great. However, when developing our work within the zone developed through intimacy, achievement does not necessitate the development of new proficiencies. Instead, individuals can strive towards mastery by harnessing the strengths of others to support their work. Skill-sharing is central the thesis of Robert Sternberg’s theory of successful intelligence, which argues that collaboration can compensate for perceived incompetencies. In intimate relationships, reciprocity is salient. This dynamic strengthen individual works and further supports the sense of competency necessary for well-being (Deci & Ryan, 2014).

Deci and Ryan (2014) described autonomy as being the essential psychological need to feel authentic, or as Tappolet stated, “steer our own course through life rather than being the mere plaything of winds and currents” (Tappolet, 2014, p. 165). Growing autonomous does not mean growing apart from others, though. Keller (2008, p. 156) considered autonomy as a function of relationships, stating that autonomy requires the capacity to critically reflect on one’s reasons for actions. For this to occur, there must be some identity-adjacent bar for measurement. Our values construct this bar and are consciously developed goals we often establish within our relationships. We use our values as criteria for desirable behaviors, people, and events (APA, n.d.) and thus when we strive to be autonomous, we become more committed to our values. In turn, when we strive for autonomy, we grow closer (Fletcher & Kininmonth, 1992) and experience the social connectedness foundational to well-being (Deci & Ryan, 2014).

Music
The Knife. (2001). “Reindeer,” The Knife. Rabid.