How to Find My Purpose? A Fusion Between the Theories of Seligman and McClelland

On the journey toward finding our purpose, we delve into the transformative visions of two great minds: Martin Seligman, whose legacy in positive psychology has left its mark, and David McClelland, with his revolutionary theory of human needs, illuminating our understanding of life. internal motivation.

This article invites you to explore the psychological theories that will facilitate an introspective journey In this journey, we will immerse ourselves in the fundamental keys to achieving a full life, from the cultivation of positive emotions to the deep understanding of your motivational needs. These paragraphs will guide you to a revealing discovery that will transform your perspective and bring you closer to personal fulfillment.

How should happiness be pursued?

Happiness is a common desire in all human beings throughout life, influenced by the social and cultural context of each individual. The search for purpose sometimes becomes unattainable for many due to ignorance of the factors that influence this path, with the little knowledge we have of ourselves being one of the main obstacles.

Although there is no exact formula to achieve happiness, it is crucial to highlight that the first step on this path is self-knowledge since we cannot satisfy the needs of a person we do not know.

Is there a theory that addresses happiness, well-being and our motivational profile? Yes, the pursuit of happiness and self-actualization has intrigued philosophers, psychologists, and thinkers throughout history. In this introspective journey, two theories stand out for their significant influence: Martin Seligman’s theory of well-being and McClelland’s human needs perspective.

Martin Seligman, a pioneer in positive psychology, proposed that the pursuit of happiness and well-being is fundamental to a fulfilling life. His theory is based on the idea that it is not just about alleviating suffering, but about cultivating the best in ourselves. Seligman identified five key elements that contribute to personal flourishing, known as the “Perma-Virtues.”:

How can I apply these 5 points in my life?

By following the following recommendations, the trip is much easier.

In the pursuit of purpose, Seligman highlights the importance of “Meaning,” suggesting that a meaningful life is one in which we use our strengths to contribute to something larger than ourselves.

I call this the “Why”; It is the reason for our “What” (the action, goal or objective). If we do not have a sufficiently solid why established, our purpose will be ephemeral, temporary or superficial This is where we really need to emphasize: Why do I want to do it? Is this “why” so significant that you are able to face any obstacle and adversity that arises in the process?

I would like to present an example: If you discover in the process that your purpose is to found an organization to rescue animals in vulnerable situations, is your “why” so solid that you will be able to face that economic, time investment without faltering in the attempt? and difficulties? What does this mean for you? According to Seligman, our well-being must have these 5 components. But, how do I know what aligns with my profile? How do I know what we are really passionate about?

What is my motivational profile?

We have all heard at some point that we should do something that motivates us. But are we clear about our motivational profile? To do this, I would like to highlight David McClelland, a psychologist who has left an indelible mark with his theory of human needs. This revolutionary approach invites us to explore the diversity of motivational profiles that exist among individuals, arguing that we all have a different internal drive that guides our actions and decisions Thus, taking into account what our dominant motivational profile is, it will be easier to align our objectives.

The three fundamental needs: Achievement, Affiliation and Power.

McClelland identified three key human needs, each acting as an internal engine that drives our behavior:

1. Need for Achievement (N-Ach):

This deep desire to achieve challenging goals and excel in performance leads individuals with a high need for achievement to seek situations in which they can assume responsibilities set goals and receive feedback on your performance.

Example: A person who has a high need for achievement. In his free time, he embarks on challenging personal projects, such as learning a new skill, participating in sporting events, and events that require competition. Motivation is about exceeding your own limits and achieving meaningful personal goals.

2. Need for Affiliation (N-Aff):

The search for interpersonal relationships and the formation of meaningful connections characterize this need. Those with a high need for affiliation value cooperation, friendship and collaboration, avoiding conflictive situations and seeking harmony in their relationships

Example: A person who has a high need for affiliation excels at building and maintaining solid interpersonal relationships. She actively participates in social events and seeks opportunities to connect with others. His motivation lies in strengthening his meaningful bonds.

3. Need for Power (N-Pow):

The need to influence others, control situations, and be perceived as an authority figure defines this category The need for power can manifest itself in two ways: as a desire for control for personal benefit (personal power) or as an aspiration for control for the well-being of others and the achievement of shared goals (social power).

Example: A person with a high need for power is involved in decision management, actively participates in events where they can exercise their authority, in this case, they could seek to influence strategic decision making and lead initiatives that give them recognition.

Merging the theories of Seligman and McClelland

The essence of McClelland’s theory lies in maintaining that each individual harbors these needs in different proportions, which gives rise to unique motivational profiles It is important to note that, although it is possible for a person to exhibit a need as dominant, they are not confined to a single category. Combinations of these needs can fluctuate, and factors such as environment, life experiences, and other elements can influence how these needs are expressed in various situations.

The search for purpose constitutes a personal journey enriched by the integration of various psychological theories. By amalgamating Seligman’s positive psychology with McClelland’s theory of needs, a comprehensive approach is built that addresses both emotional well-being and the motivational forces that drive action.

This journey not only leads us to self-realization, but also connects us with a deep purpose that gives meaning to our lives. By understanding our strengths, setting challenging goals, and fostering meaningful relationships, we can embark on an integrated journey toward a fulfilled life

It is essential to recognize that, although psychoeducational content plays a crucial role in self-knowledge and personal fulfillment, having the assistance of a psychology professional is essential. This expert has the necessary experience to offer support during the process and provide the ideal tools for the transformation towards our best version.