by Jonathan Fields, author of How to Live a Good Life
Use disappointment and frustration to motivate you rather than derail you. Be mindful. You are in control of the way you respond to life.
It’s one of life’s greatest frustrations.
You know, deep down, you’re capable of so much more. You feel this wellspring of potential inside of you, burning to get out, yet you can’t figure out how to tap into it.
You’d love to step away from a place of feeling stuck, to moving through each day feeling like you’re contributing on the highest possible level. Like you’re tapping every molecule of capability and you’re progressing through life completely and utterly lit-up.
I call this state being sparked, and I’ve spent years researching what it takes to live in this place. What I’ve discovered may surprise you too. For example, it’s not about finding that “one thing” you’re completely head-over-heels passionate about, because for many of us there is no singular thing. And, if there is for you, you’re typically unable to identify it until you’ve accumulated enough life experience through trial and error to know what it is.
But, you don’t have to wait decades, years or even months to feel like you’re lit-up, awash in the fullest expression of your potential. All you need to do is find and tap your Sparks.
In my new book, How to Live a Good Life: Soulful Stories, Surprising Science and Practical Wisdom, I was able to identify the 5 primary Human Sparks. These are the types of activities that call to us deeply and, when we contribute to the world from that place, light us up.
Here are the 5 Human Sparks:
1. The Curiosity Spark.
This spark is about the pursuit of a burning question. Is there something you need to know, an answer you feel deeply called to figure out or a solution to a problem that just won’t let you go? Examples of people often fueled by a fierce curiosity spark might include scientists, entrepreneurs and even media producers and authors.
As Albert Einstein profoundly said, “The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.”
2. The Fascination Spark.
This spark is about a deep fascination or interest in a particular topic, field or idea. It’s not about a specific problem or question; it’s more about some intrinsic connection with something. It often begins in childhood and stays with us for life, but fascination sparks can emerge upon exposure to new experiences or ideas in the blink of an eye. Examples might include art historians, hobbyists and really anyone who loves to read and research on a topic for no other reason beyond the deep gratification that comes from deepening into an interest.
Truly, some of the unhappiest, unmotivated people I’ve ever met are those who don’t care deeply about anything at all. Deep fascination and satisfaction go hand in hand, and without them, any bit of happiness or motivation is only fleeting, because there’s nothing substantial to make it last.
3. The Immersion Spark.
This spark is about the feeling of absorption or becoming lost in a task or entire process. It’s what athletes often describe as being “in the zone” and social scientists call “flow.” It’s about being utterly lit-up and consumed by the process of an activity, without regard to the end. Even though the pursuit of this all-immersive experience also often leads to astonishing accomplishment, that’s not the core driver. A couple great examples would be crafters and artists. Sure, they end up creating beautiful things, but for many, that’s just an added bonus. The real thing that lights them up is the ability to get lost in a process.
On your average day, immersion sparks are those flashes of intense living when you’re engrossed in a meaningful task that makes you feel more alive. These optimal experiences can happen when you’re engaged in work, paid or unpaid, which move you. Work like this is something you could be pursuing on a daily basis.
4. The Mastery Spark.
This spark is all about the devoted pursuit of improvement. You may not be obsessed with having to become the best in the world at something, but the feeling of progress – the ability to check growth markers off along a journey – is what keeps you committed to the experience. It often doesn’t really even matter what the subject matter is, as along as there is a well-defined path to excellence and an ability to measure progress along the way. Martial arts is a great example, with it’s clearly demarked “belt” system, where you can progress down a path to mastery and always know what it takes to get to the next level.
Perhaps Winston Churchill said it best: “Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.”
5. The Service Spark
This final spark is all about helping others. For many, knowing that, in some way, you’ve made a difference in the lives of others is the single biggest driver. It’s the thing that makes you feel most lit-up and motivated. Interestingly, a service spark may be connected to a particular person or group, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, that “other” doesn’t even have to be human. It could be animals, plants or even the bigger concept of the environment or planet. Members of clergy and volunteers are often fueled by profound service sparks.
What kind of service motivates you? Think about it. In the long run, real love only intensifies by sharing. You can only have more of what motivates you by giving it away to others.
Your Sparks of Motivation (and Happiness)
So, now you know the 5 Human Sparks. Ask yourself which ones most resonate with you. Are you most lit-up when you’re immersed in the pursuit of an answer to a question or the solution to a vexing problem? Do you just love to vanish into the deep exploration of an idea or topic?
At any given time, one spark usually stands out from the pack, but it’s not unusual for you to have a blend of sparks. In fact, if you want to turn the pursuit of any of the first four sparks into your career, you’ll also need to find a way to tap the fifth spark and make it of service.
The great thing about this approach is you can often find a myriad of small activities, experiences and relationships that will leave you sparked, feeling amazing, like you don’t want to stop and you’re doing what you’re here to do. You don’t have to wait months, years or even decades to find a big, singular purpose or passion that may or may not ever come. Just start living your Sparks. Build your days around the ability to spend as much of your energy pursuing your Sparks as possible.
Start today.
Then watch your life begin to light up.
Your turn…
I would love to hear from YOU.
Which Spark mentioned above MOST resonates with you right now?
Why?
Please leave a comment below.
Author Bio: Jonathan Fields is the founder of the Good Life Project podcast and author of the brand new book How to Live a Good Life: Soulful Stories, Surprising Science and Practical Wisdom.
Bethany says
Interesting post. I like the twists and the concept of our human “sparks.”
Right now I find myself most moved by the final spark about being in service to others. This something I’ve been successfully working on in my life over the past several months. And when I read about the service spark, it reminded me of this quote I copied down from Marc and Angel’s 1000 things book:
“The happiest and most successful people are looking for ways to help others. The most unhappy and unsuccessful people are still asking, ‘What’s in it for me?'”
Jamie O says
I can really relate to the Mastery Spark. M&A’s course and coaching have shown me how to implement tiny rituals in my life that have gradually made a massive impact – they have stretched my comfort zone and allowed me to master areas of my life that were once out of reach and control.
Through these rituals, I’ve learned when you’re struggling, that’s when you’re gaining needed strength. The more conscious time you spend in the struggle, the faster you learn what’s important. It’s always smarter to spend an extremely high quality ten minutes growing, than it is to spend a mediocre hour running from your problems. You want to practice everything at the point where you are just slightly on the edge of your ability (one new, tiny step every day), stretching yourself again and again, making inevitable mistakes, learning from those mistakes, and stretching yourself even farther.
Doing so has made a world of difference in my life over the past year.
Clint says
As I’ve said many times, the insightful posts from this blog always arrive in my inbox at the right time.
I love your point about the importance of deep fascination and I couldn’t agree more. When we find something that fascinates us deeply – perhaps an idea or cause that’s especially meaningful – it’s the greatest source of motivation … to learn, to grow, and to move yourself forward daily.
Anne-Laure Jacquart says
Hi, thank you so much for your blog! It’s always so interesting!…
Sincerely, I felt that the 5 sparks you defined were indeed related to what motivates me in my everyday life basis.
I am a creative person, professional photographer and author, and I have been fascinated by watercolor sketching too, for a few years. For me, all these sparkles are included in these wonderful activities I have the chance to spend time to do.
I think that the curiosity is stronger for an activity (or topic) you just started to do or learn and know nothing about. I feel it when I try to figure out how to create a particular effect with my watercolor pigments mixed with some water…
The fascination, the connection, is how I feel about all arts, because creativity is what fuels me… It always had. 🙂
The flow, the immersion is obvious when I create and, yes, I agree that the result is a byproduct of the wellbeing you feel when you create. If you mess up your creation, it’s not Ok because you can’t be in the flow during a failed creative session so you need to create something good enough but the most important is that we love to do what we do!!! Once I have started to shoot or to paint in a day, I don’t want to stop anymore!…
The mastery spark is important to feel that you not only DO something but grow as a person. The skills mastery renew the curiosity, too: what are you going to explore next?! That’s so exciting!!!
At least, the sharing sparkle is why I wrote books and blog articles, lead a Facebook group, share my sketches on Instagram on a daily basis, lead workshops and so on…. Because creating is really intimate, personal, and I feel that this sharing aspect make it less selfish and even more interesting! In a way, one of the reasons why you learn is to teach to others what you learnt and to help them to go in the flow too, to make them become more curious and to feel a connection with something great. That’s really rewarding and adds a lot of motivation to keep going on a daily basis.
I hope this sharing of my experience was interesting to you, too! 🙂
Thank your for this article, with this evocative idea of sparkles, defined in such a relevant way. 🙂 😉
Chris Taylor says
The “spark” I particularly relate to is the “Immersion Spark” but even this one contains a whole lot of “Curiosity” and “Fascination” Sparks. I can’t tell you why, it just is. This I have always noticed when I practised and learned about Chinese Acupuncture and Chartered Accountancy. Yes, I know, what is the possible relationship between these two interests? Again, I don’t know, there just is for me.
Harrison says
Thank you very much for your wonderful blog posts.
I can relate to the 5th spark because i like serving both people and the environment, daily.
Helen Scrase says
Absolutely fantastic article that has given me real clarity and permission almost, to accept that I don’t just have to find that one thing in life. As someone who enjoys many things in life, I feel I have more than one talent. For years I have been searching and researching the subject with a desire to find my vocation in life, all the while knowing that this mentality has probably been imposed on me by society and other influences. This just might be a better angle to come from. I identified with all five sparks but curiosity and fascination get me everytone. This alongside a strong sense of wanting to serve others is a real help for me in getting closer to finding a stronger purpose. Thank you. Helen Scrase
Carnell Tate says
Thank you!
Swati says
I like this concept of spark …The last one service spark …I love to be arounded by many of people …for whom I could do something …
Paul says
This seems like it hits the nail on the head today. It is somewhat of a comfort to know I might be normal and these feelings you mention in the introduction are something common for people to feel.
Thanks for the affirmation and I will use this.
Robin says
I am a Service person. It is a joy for me.
Gautam Thakur says
Seriously, I don’t care about any other email I receive, but I wait for the moment when an email form Marc&Angel drops into the inbox. You guys are like a spark that brings out smile and positivity every single time. Seriously, I love you guys for hacking into life’s goodness so deeply.
Diya says
Absolutely awesome, to the point post. I’m amazed with the accuracy of the points the author makes. I’m sure all of us have felt each of these sparks at various points of time in our lives. Every word rings true. I wish I’d chanced upon this earlier. Would’ve made my task of what works and what doesn’t work – for motivating myself, for finding meaning, for choosing what to do with my life – so much faster.
Kyle L says
Number 3 really resonated with me on a deep level. The “Immersion Spark” is what obsession is all about, and what I’ve found to be the most useful towards my success. I like how you say “It’s about being utterly lit-up and consumed by the process of an activity, without regard to the end.” A good Ben Franklin quote that comes to mind is, “A rolling stone gathers no moss,” meaning that only still stones gather moss. When people get in the zone, that’s when greatness happens. A great video that comes to mind is Jaret Grossman’s video about hyper-focusing your attention. I think it complements the article.
Marc Chernoff says
I’m really happy to hear the positive feedback on this post. I felt the same exact way. And Jonathan actually gave us an advance copy of his new book (mentioned in the post), and it is an incredible read. Super actionable! I highly recommend it.
Carnell Tate says
I resonate most with “Immersion” and “Mastery”.