Introduction

The pursuit of fulfillment involves more than just meeting basic biological and psychological needs.
While satisfying needs such as safety, hunger, and thirst is essential, it is not sufficient for optimal
functioning. To make reasoned choices and take action, individuals must understand their values and
beliefs, be motivated to pursue their chosen activities, and set achievable goals that reflect their deeply
held values.

Values

Values are the fundamental beliefs that guide our actions and decisions. They are deeply held
convictions that we internalize during our upbringing or choose as we grow older.

Values are open to change. Few people can maintain absolutely identical values throughout their
lifetimes.

Values keep changing throughout the life.

Distinction Between Needs and Values

 Needs: Inborn, universal requirements essential for survival (e.g., hunger, safety). Needs are
stable; they exist regardless of our awareness.

 Values: Learned or chosen beliefs that are specific to individuals and can change over time.
Values help prioritize needs and provide a framework for decision-making.

For instance, while many may not enjoy changing diapers, the value of caring for others often overrides
personal preferences in such situations. This illustrates how values can dictate actions even when they
conflict with personal likes or dislikes.

The Current Value Landscape

Modern society faces a "value-gap," characterized by a lack of consensus on shared values (Baumeister &
Vohs, 2002). This gap can lead to confusion about one's own values, particularly in societies that have
experienced rapid changes in their value systems. The loss of consensus on values can be devastating; for
example, countries in the former Soviet bloc experienced a rapid disintegration of established values
without clear replacements.

Universal Values

Shalom Schwartz identified ten universal values that are found across cultures:

1. Power: Social status and prestige.

2. Achievement: Personal success through demonstrating competence.

3. Hedonism: Pleasure and sensuous gratification.

4. Stimulation: Excitement, novelty, and challenge in life.

5. Self-direction: Independent thought and action.

 6. Universalism: Understanding, appreciation, tolerance, and protection for the welfare of all
people and nature.

7. Benevolence: Preservation and enhancement of the welfare of people with whom one is in
frequent contact.

8. Tradition: Respect, commitment, and acceptance of customs and ideas that traditional culture or
religion provides.

9. Conformity: Restraint of actions that might harm others or violate social expectations or norms.

10. Security: Safety and stability of society, relationships, and self.

Research supports Schwartz's claim that this list is comprehensive; self-direction and achievement values
correlate positively with subjective well-being due to their emphasis on autonomy and competence.
Conversely, tradition and conformity relate to lower well-being because they often rely on extrinsic
motivation.

Worries Related to Values

Worries can be categorized into two types:

 Micro Worries: Micro worries are all about yourself and others close to you (‘Will I get an
interview?’, ‘What if he leaves me?’). Not surprisingly, they lead to poor wellbeing.

Individuals who frequently experience these worries often prioritize power and hedonism
values.

 Macro Worries: People who are high on universalism and benevolence values have these types
of worries, together with a higher level of well-being (Schwartz et al., 2000)

Societal issues (e.g., global health crises) associated with higher well-being when aligned with
universalism and benevolence values (Schwartz et al., 2000). This distinction highlights the
importance of focusing on broader societal concerns for enhancing overall well-being.

Motivation

Motivation is the driving force behind our actions—what compels us to engage in activities or pursue
specific goals.

Types of Motivation

1. Intrinsic Motivation: Engaging in activities for their inherent enjoyment or interest.

2. Extrinsic Motivation: Performing tasks to achieve external rewards or avoid negative outcomes.

Understanding these types helps clarify why we engage in certain behaviors.

Awakening Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation flourishes when activities are moderately challenging and enjoyable (Bandura, 1997).
Self-determination theory outlines four subtypes of extrinsic motivation:
  External Motivation: External motivation occurs when we feel driven by outside forces,
performing an activity either to obtain a reward or to avoid punishment. We do something
because we have to do it.

 Introjected Motivation: Based on self-control; acting to avoid guilt or anxiety. We do something

because we would feel guilty if we didn’t.

 Identified Motivation: we do something because we can see why it is important (even though
we don’t enjoy it).

 Integrated Motivation: we do something because we fully subscribe to the values underlying

our behavior, which have become a part of ourselves, e.g. we know that performing prayers
really provide relaxation to our soul that is why we are performing it

The closer one moves toward identified and intrinsic motivations, the more authentic and fulfilling life
becomes.

Tips & Tools for Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation

1. Autonomy: Allowing choices enhances intrinsic motivation by fostering a sense of ownership

over actions.

2. Competence: Engaging in activities where one feels capable boosts motivation.

3. Relatedness: Building connections with others can enhance intrinsic motivation through social
support.

Developing Integrated Motivation in Children

To foster self-motivation in children:

 Avoid coercion; instead, provide meaningful rationales for tasks.

 Empathize with their struggles and offer praise.

 Support autonomy by allowing children to make choices (Brown & Ryan, 2004).

Life Goals

Life goals are specific motivational objectives that guide our actions over extended periods. They differ
from immediate needs or short-term goals by providing long-term direction.

Importance of Life Goals

Research indicates that clarity regarding one's life goals enhances overall quality of life (Schmuck &
Sheldon, 2001). The self-concordance model posits that well-being increases when individuals pursue
goals aligned with identified, integrated, and intrinsic motivations (Sheldon, 1994). Self-concordant goals
not only correlate with higher hedonic happiness but also promote eudaimonic growth by satisfying
innate psychological needs.
Choosing Effective Goals

Certain goals contribute more significantly to well-being:

 Focus on intrinsic aspirations (e.g., self-acceptance) rather than extrinsic ones (e.g., wealth).

 Goals should be feasible, meaningful, and congruent with personal values.

Research by Kasser & Ryan (1996) emphasizes that pursuing intrinsic aspirations leads to greater
satisfaction compared to extrinsic goals like financial success or social recognition.

Tips & Tools for Managing Goal Conflict

Goals can sometimes conflict with personal values or among themselves:

1. Establish dialogue between conflicting goals to find common ground.

2. Ensure goals are realistic and aligned with personal motives.

3. Prioritize goals that enhance community engagement and personal growth.

Conclusion

The interplay between values, motivation, and life goals is crucial for achieving a fulfilling life
characterized by both hedonic happiness and eudaimonic growth. By aligning our actions with our values
and fostering intrinsic motivation through meaningful goal-setting, individuals can enhance their overall
well-being and lead more satisfying lives. This comprehensive overview serves as a foundational guide
for undergraduate students seeking to understand the dynamics of fulfillment in their lives while
integrating relevant studies that highlight the significance of these concepts in psychological research.