Flying with the need for achievement

In my Psychology & Culture class I learned about the needs that go beyond the biological. Henry Murry developed a theory and listed the motive based needs as the need for achievement, the need for affiliation, the need for power, and the need for exhibition. I am glad that I do not have the need for affiliation. I do not have to be a member of a group. I do not think I have a high need for power, although I do like being in charge of things. My main motivation is the need for achievement. I have to finish things. I set goals and then accomplish them (well most of them).

Which one or more of those needs do you have? One is not better or worse than another. It just determines what motives you to fly.

My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others. That is nice but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success.

Helen Hayes