Incentive

by Velma Hutchines

A The Kids & Me Guest Writer

What does incentive mean to you?

Some employers offer employment incentives to attract the best candidates—attractive

health care benefits, vacation time, bonuses, flexible schedules, and other perks.

Incentives give us an opportunity to say, “Well, if I accept this, I’ll receive the incentive

being offered.”

But are we only considering the incentive because of what we can get from it? Or can

we look beyond the incentive itself and recognize the long-term value of what is being

offered?

Consider employment as an example. A job may offer great hours, flexible time, the

ability to work from home while spending a few days in the office, or opportunities to

take courses and earn certifications that can enhance your position within the company.

Do we allow the incentive to control our decision to show up?

Or do we show up because the opportunity itself has value?

Maybe there is a course you can take, a seminar you can attend, or a speaker you can

listen to who may address topics such as finances, purchasing a home, career

development, research, or countless other areas of life. Almost anything we don't

know—or something we can learn more about—is worth exploring, with or without an

incentive attached to it.

What we prioritize is important.

There is an old saying: “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

I look at it this way: Whatever knowledge we earn and learn stays with us. And what we

learn can be passed on to the next generation—our children, grandchildren, and those

who come after us.

An incentive is nice, but incentives come and go.

A gift card can be spent. A bonus can be used. A perk can eventually disappear. But

giving priority to the things that help you grow, gain wisdom, develop confidence,

and navigate this journey called life is priceless.

Knowledge is the beginning of wisdom, and you can't spend that.

So, the point I am making is this: The opportunity to show up, take the course, attend

the seminar, or listen to someone speak about a subject that can enrich your life should,

by itself, be enough of an incentive to motivate us.

Sure, a parent might promise a child ice cream after completing their chores as

motivation to clean their room.

Well, for sure, that's not my generation!

We were taught to be thankful and grateful to have a room to clean—and that alone

was the incentive.

So, the next time you have an opportunity, consider asking yourself:

“What can I learn?”

“How can I grow?”

“What can I offer?”

Instead of only asking:

“What will I get if I participate?”

Your incentive can be simple:

Show up. Learn. Grow. Participate. Take advantage of what is being offered to

you.

No incentive required.