#22 - SUCCESS IQ: Harnessing (Intrinsic) Motivation through Flow and Values Alignment

In this episode of the Ryan Watts Life Coaching podcast, Ryan delves into the crucial role of motivation within the framework of emotional intelligence and Success IQ.

Beginning with an introduction to emotional IQ and its significance for personal success, he emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation—motivation that comes from within, driven by personal fulfillment rather than external rewards. Ryan introduces the concept of flow, a state of complete immersion in an activity, as a key to maintaining motivation. He explains how achieving a flow state enhances focus, enjoyment, and personal fulfillment, making it essential for achieving long-term goals aligned with one's values.

Throughout the episode, Ryan offers practical advice on how to access flow and align one’s work with one's deepest values to ensure lasting satisfaction and success. By focusing on intrinsic motivation and the alignment of personal values with one's goals, the episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their motivation and achieve a rich, satisfying, and emotionally intelligent life.

Visit ryanwattslifecoaching.com/successIQ for your free Success IQ assessment!

**00:00-00:31** - Introduction to the podcast, mentioning the online personal success assessment available at Ryan Watts's website, which ties in with emotional IQ.

**00:31-01:00**—Explain emotional IQ as the ability to maintain control over oneself despite external circumstances and briefly recap previous podcast topics: self-awareness and self-regulation.

**01:00-01:12**—An introduction to motivation, the third tenant of success IQ, and a heads-up about future discussions on empathy and social skills.

**01:13-02:07** - Definition of motivation, focusing on intrinsic motivation over extrinsic motivation within the context of emotional IQ.

**02:08-03:05**—Discussion on resilience and grit derived from intrinsic motivation and achieving for the sake of achievement.

**03:06-04:03**—An introduction to the concept of flow state, its scientific basis, and its significance for maintaining motivation.

**04:04-05:26** - The importance of passion, personal fulfillment, and the role of flow in achieving them, backed by research.

**05:27-06:26**—Flow is correlated with meaning and purpose, leading to profound personal fulfillment irrespective of external success measures.

**06:27-07:23** - The importance of aligning goals with personal values and the benefits of flow in cultivating persistence, optimism, and resilience.

**07:24-08:12** - Discussion on the role of discipline, consistency, and a growth mindset in accessing flow and enhancing motivation.

**08:13-09:21**—The joy of the journey and finding fulfillment in the process are key components of flow and intrinsic motivation.

**09:22-10:19**—How flow leads to self-efficacy, autonomy, and a proactive approach to tasks and challenges.

**10:20-11:15**—An overview of the flow cycle, highlighting the stages of struggle, release, and flow as essential for accessing the flow state and staying motivated.

**11:16-12:38**—Explain how to access flow by choosing challenging but achievable tasks and minimizing distractions.

**12:39-13:36** - Emphasis on aligning tasks with one's deepest values for long-term fulfillment and the role of flow in fostering intrinsic motivation.

**13:37-14:28**—We will continue to discuss the benefits of flow, including skill development, reduced perceived effort, and improved well-being.

**14:29-15:27** - Suggestions for accessing flow, including setting clear goals, minimizing distractions, and seeking feedback.

**15:28-16:24** - The importance of aligning work with personal values for motivation, including understanding and prioritizing core values.

**16:25-17:22** - Assessing current situations for value alignment and identifying gaps between work and personal values.

**17:23-18:27** - Setting goals based on values and making necessary changes to align work or activities with those values.

**18:28-19:26** - Continuous reflection, adjustment, and the importance of a support network in aligning work with values for sustained motivation.

**19:27-20:25** - Strategies for making small and major adjustments to better align with personal values and enhance motivation.

**20:26-21:24** - Personal anecdote illustrating how reinterpreting work through the lens of core values can reignite passion and motivation.

**21:25-22:23** - Encouragement to consider significant changes if fundamental misalignments exist between work and personal values.

**22:24-23:27** - Summary of the importance of motivation in personal development and achievement, emphasizing the role of intrinsic motivation.

**23:28-24:18** - Conclusion emphasizing the value of understanding and enhancing motivation through emotional intelligence and success IQ.

**24:19-End**—Call to action!