Starting from being a timid, shy, and crying kid, with her mother’s encouragement and motivation, she became a scientist, a doctor, and a professor. Why do we do what we do?
We often think our choices are conscious and logical. However, according to behavioral experts like Patrick King, much of our motivation occurs below the surface, shaped by our past, fears, childhood experiences, and even the pain we try to avoid. In this blog, we’ll break down the powerful forces behind human motivation and what they reveal about how we understand others and ourselves.
To bring these ideas to life, we will examine the story of a real scientist whose inner world profoundly influenced her groundbreaking work.
A Scientist’s Story: The Curious Case of Dr. Temple Grandin
Dr. Temple Grandin is a scientist, professor, and animal behaviorist. But what makes her story compelling is how her inner world, especially her experience with autism and emotional sensitivity, shaped her motivations.
As a child, Grandin struggled with communication and social interaction. But instead of being held back, she channeled her sensitivity into a deep understanding of how animals feel. Her pain, her outsider status, and her desire to reduce animal suffering drove her career. Today, she’s one of the most respected voices in humane livestock handling.
Her journey beautifully illustrates the ideas in this chapter.
Motivation as an Expression of the Shadow
The “shadow” refers to the part of ourselves that we hide, including our wounds, insecurities, or fears that we don’t want others to see.
Dr. Grandin’s struggle with emotional overload and social anxiety could have been a weakness. But by embracing those parts of herself, she transformed them into strengths. Her ability to understand fear, especially from a non-verbal, sensory perspective, gave her a unique edge in animal science.
Our shadow side is not something to suppress. It often fuels our most meaningful work.
Our Inner Child Still Lives
Our earliest experiences shape us more than we realize. Whether it is a desire to prove our worth, avoid rejection, or feel safe, many adult decisions are rooted in the needs of our younger selves.
Grandin’s childhood challenges led her to seek control and order in a chaotic world. She built a “squeeze machine” to help calm herself, later inspiring tools for animals under stress. Her innovations reflect her inner child’s need for security and understanding.
The Motivation Factor—Pleasure or Pain
We move through life trying to gain pleasure or avoid pain. This core motivation influences everything from our career choices to our interactions with others.
For Grandin, the pain of seeing animals suffer and the discomfort of being misunderstood pushed her to act. But she also found pleasure in solving problems, understanding patterns, and bringing comfort to creatures who couldn’t speak.
Think about your own behavior: What are you chasing? What are you running from?
The Pyramid of Needs
Maslow’s hierarchy illustrates that our needs progress from basic survival to self-actualization.
Dr. Grandin’s journey moved up that pyramid: from meeting her own needs for understanding and stability, to helping others (and animals) feel safe, and finally to contributing knowledge that changed an industry.
Once your basic needs are met, you naturally seek meaning, and helping others meet theirs becomes part of your motivation.
Defense of the Ego
When we feel threatened, we protect our sense of self. This “ego defense” can block growth or spark it.
Grandin faced criticism, misunderstanding, and exclusion. But rather than shutting down, she doubled down on her work. Her ego didn’t retreat; it adapted. She used rejection as fuel to build a legacy.
Many people use ego to avoid pain. But a strong, balanced ego can also help us push through fear and thrive.
Final Thought: What’s Driving You?
Motivation isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes, it’s hidden behind childhood fears, unhealed wounds, or the quiet desire to do something meaningful.