Picture this: You’re on a road trip. Your car is fully loaded with snacks, music, and enthusiasm, but you forgot one thing—a map or you’re satnav isn’t working. Without it, your journey is more about blind turns than scenic routes. In the world of motivation and performance, self-awareness is your map. It helps you understand where you’re headed and, most importantly, why.
Self-awareness isn’t just about knowing that you love pizza or hate early mornings (although that’s useful too). It’s about understanding what makes you tick—your motivations, values, and personality style—and how those influence your behaviours and interactions. Let’s unpack this by blending two powerful tools: Our DISC model and the Personal Values Profile that shape our decisions and drive us forward.
Your DISC Profile—The Personality Lens
The DISC model is divided into four styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance.
Dominance (D): You’re assertive, goal-oriented, and thrive on challenges. But patience? Maybe not your strong suit.
Influence (I): You’re all about enthusiasm, connection, and creativity. You could sell ice to a penguin, but detailed plans might feel like quicksand.
Steadiness (S): You value harmony, predictability, and relationships. Change isn’t your BFF, but loyalty certainly is.
Compliance (C): You love data, rules, and precision. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing perfectly, right?
Understanding your DISC type is like finding the north on your motivational compass. But the real magic happens when we overlay this with your personal values.
Values—What Truly Matters
Your values are the fuel that powers your DISC-driven vehicle. They explain why you behave the way you do and why certain goals light you up while others leave you cold.
Let’s look at how a few of the 21 values on the Personal Values Profile (PVP) align (or clash) with different DISC profiles:
Achievement and Ability Utilisation
For a high-D types, these values are the holy grail. You want measurable results and the chance to flex your skills. Throw in a dash of Prestige or Financial Rewards, and you’ve got the ultimate motivational cocktail. But if you're high-S, this drive for achievement might need to be tempered by the need for harmony and a Predictable Environment.
Creativity and Variety
High-I folks live for these values. Routine is their kryptonite, and they shine when they can innovate or explore new ideas. Pair that with Freedom of Lifestyle, and you’ll find them brainstorming their next big project in a hammock somewhere tropical. Conversely, high-Cs might appreciate creativity but only within a structured framework. Innovation is fine—as long as it’s meticulously planned.
Concern for Others and Close Relationships
High-S types embody these values. For them, relationships are the foundation of everything. You’ll find them checking in on colleagues, remembering birthdays, and creating a work environment where people feel safe and valued. High-Ds, while valuing relationships, might struggle with the “concern” bit when deadlines loom. It’s not personal—it’s just business.
Risk and Physical Challenges
High-Ds and some high-Is thrive on risk and challenges. Skydiving? Launching a startup? Bring it on. For high-S and high-C types, though, “risk” sounds like a four-letter word. They’re busy ensuring there’s a parachute packed and a backup plan for the backup plan.
Bridging the Gap
Here’s where self-awareness really comes into play. Once you understand your DISC type and your values, you can identify where they align—or collide.
Let’s say you’re a high-C with a strong value for Freedom of Lifestyle. At first glance, these seem contradictory. You crave independence, but you also need structure. By acknowledging this tension, you can create strategies to balance these needs—like freelancing in a highly organised niche.
Or imagine you’re a high-I who values Financial Security. Your love for spontaneity might lead to impulsive spending, but recognising your need for stability can motivate you to create (and stick to) a budget that doesn’t feel like a straitjacket.
Turning Insight into Action
Now that you’ve identified your DISC style and core values, here are three steps to supercharge your motivation and performance:
Play to Your Strengths: If you’re high-D with a value for Achievement, set ambitious goals with clear milestones. For high-Cs valuing Authority, seek roles where your expertise is respected and valued.
Address Your Weaknesses: If you’re high-I and struggle with Financial Security, find a buddy who’s high-C to keep you accountable. If you’re high-S and avoid conflict despite valuing Business Ethics, practice assertive communication.
Adapt for Others: Motivation isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. If you manage a team, understanding their DISC profiles and values can help you tailor incentives and feedback. For example, a high-D will appreciate direct praise for results, while a high-S values acknowledgment of their collaboration.
A Dash of Humour: Don’t Overthink It
Remember, self-awareness is a journey, not a destination. You might discover you’re a high-C who values Physical Challenges but still considers walking to the fridge exercise. Or a high-I valuing Business Ethics who gets sidetracked by a new idea mid-meeting. Embrace the quirks—they make you, you.
So, grab your DISC map, fill your motivational tank with values, and enjoy the ride. Because when you truly understand yourself, you’re not just moving forward—you’re moving with purpose. And that’s a journey worth taking.