Do You Have A High Achievement Motive?

Obviously, some people are more hardworking than others. This can be seen in the lazy couch potatoes and busy workaholics. But what gives someone the drive and motivation to work hard? Well, according to psychologists like Jon Krakauer the Achievement Motive is just another trait gained through heredity.

The Achievement Motive is defined as the need to outperform others, conquer difficult challenges, and obtain high standards.

Here's a little test to help you find where you fall on the achievement motive scale.

Write a little story for what you think is happening in this picture. It does not have to be long, but the more you write the more you will be able to tell if you get more achievement arousal or affiliation arousal.

This is called a TAT test (Thematic Apperception Test). It has been used for a long time and is widely used because it is supposed to bring out a person's unconscious, hidden motives, and repressed feelings.

So let's look at what you wrote about. You either fall into one of these two categories.

Achievement Motive

You feel the need to overcome challenges and outperform other people.
Here's what your story might sound like:

Joe is a musician who has been trying for years to make money and become famous. He practices on his guitar every day in an attempt to be the best musician he can possibly be. One day he enters a contest. He is very nervous but he still plays well and thinks of how happy he will be if he wins. In the end, Joe loses and he is very sad.

Affiliation Motive

You need to associate with others and maintain some sort of social bonds. These are the people people, the people who love to chat and just like being with others. Instead of winning a noble prize or tackling challenges, these people would rather find companionship, love, and friendships.

Here's what the story of a person with a high need for affiliation might sound like:

Joe is a very lonely musician. He plays his guitar every day in an attempt that people will stop and listen to him. Some days he even makes friends with the people that stop to watch him. The man in the background is one of his only friends. This man is the owner of the store, and he let's Joe play his guitar outside. Joe is sad that his family abandoned him. He uses music to escape from the world.

Here are two different stories. Compare the one you wrote to these two. Did you write about challenges and winning or people and social interactions? Of course, being completely one or the other is really ideal. Most people are a mix of these two. With that said, I'm sure not many people are exactly 50/50. It's always good to know what side you lean towards.

Anyone can benefit from learning their strengths.*