Discover Your Teen’s Core Motivations with TruSpark

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by TruSpark. I received compensation for my time and honest opinion.

Myers-Briggs Personality test, Enneagram quizzes, and interest assessments are all popular at attempting to tell you what career path you should follow. But you know what? None of them seek to really pinpoint what your core motivations are. When we are motivated to succeed, we do our best. The same is true for our teens. TruSpark recognizes this key difference. It is what sets them apart from all the other generic “assessments” which try to guess what job you’ll be best at based on your interests or personality.

TruSpark Motivations Assessment

Let me introduce you to TruSpark. TruSpark is a motivations assessment that goes beyond a simple personality test. It won’t tell you your teen’s interests, strengths, or aptitude. What it does is give you something much more valuable–the why. TruSpark identifies your teens three core motivations. Those inner drives we each have that influence why we make certain choices or like/dislike what we do.

TruSpark is Research-Based

TruSpark is based on 60 years worth of scientific research and professional use. The adult assessment has been re-tooled and digitized for use with tweens and teens.

TruSpark is Story-Based

TruSpark uses a teen’s own stories. Because of this, results are unique and relevant to each individual taking the test. Previous assessments I’ve used with my teens have given them the exact same response, despite having significantly different personalities, talents, and motivations. TruSpark is not a one-size-fits-all response. This is one element that sets it apart for me.

Our TruSpark Experience

TruSpark has two components to it: the curriculum and the assessment. The assessment can be done individually. However, the curriculum helps the teen to understand and use the results.

It is broken down into three levels:

Core Motivations

Career Assessment

Live Out Your Purpose

My fourteen-year-old daughter has been working her way through the TruSpark curriculum and assessment. It’s important to note, this is not going to be a quick experience. It took my daughter several hours to work through it. The time estimates for each section range between 45-90 minutes. Regardless, it is worth the time.

First, the curriculum educates your teen about what core motivations are to help them understand the assessment when they take it. Next it explores career opportunities that would allow them to use their core motivations. Finally, it guides them in living out their purpose.

My daughters three core motivations were: Finisher, Maximizer, and Helper.

Knowing these are her core motivations are helpful for both of us. As a parent, I can use it as a guide when choosing her high school curriculum or study path. In addition, we can also use it to seek out opportunities for extracurricular activities that appeal to her core motivations.

While she feels like a career path is still a far time off, knowing her core motivations allows her to begin shifting her mindset now. She can begin looking for those opportunities that will allow her to utilize one or more of her core motivations and have a more fulfilling experience.

Give Your Teen the TruSpark Experience

Knowing your teens three core motivations are only a positive for both of you. Find what motivates your teen and let their core motivations guide their decisions for life.