Ever wondered why some people climb mountains and others just sit home, binge-watching? It is what turns dreams into action and thoughts into reality. Without it, we’d all just be sitting there on the couch! Motivation is that which we need to attain goals and lead balanced lives. So, what is actually driving us? Let’s try to delve into what makes humans tick.
Intrinsic Motivation: The Power Within
Intrinsic motivation comes from inside. It’s not about getting a reward. It’s about doing something that feels good inside. A child building a Lego castle for his enjoyment is an example of intrinsic motivation. It’s basically the pleasure and satisfaction derived from the action that fuels it.
Curiosity Is What Fueled That Wanting to Explore and Learn.
There has to be a moment in your life when you think of asking many questions, why this or that? That’s curiosity pulling your strings! It helps you troubleshoot and innovate.
As in when Alexander Fleming stumbled on some mold spores the growth of his petri dishes, leading to the discovery of penicillin. Alone, curiosity shaped the domain of medicine. That is a great example of curiosity.
To Mastor
Who isn’t interested in learning more and gaining better skills? The pleasure of getting better at something is knowing that this drive to get better keeps one constant in learning and practicing.
For a moment there, believe in yourself having a growth mindset. Second, believe that if you put effort in, practice, and solicit help when needed, you can improve. Face adversity with true character and courage, being determined to prevail in your effort. above all, look at obstacles as an opportunity to learn something.
Autonomy: Self-Direction
We want to feel a sense of control over our choices. When we feel a sense of control, we are motivated. We do things in our way.
Companies that provide flexible working hours enable their employees to feel in control over their work lives and boost motivation. They engage more because they can choose times that suit their schedules.
Extrinsic Motivation: Reward and Recognition
Extrinsic motivation finds its source outside ourselves. It is based on awards and praise. It may, of course, stimulate an action yet retains a different meaning altogether than intrinsic motivation.
Incentives and Rewards
Rewards are big motivators. They give us something to aim for. It can be anything from money to prizes to a simple pat on the back for a job well done. Rewards change our behavior.
Research indicates that organizations leveraging incentive programs witness performance elevating by as much as 22%, a state definitely worth writing home about! Rewards matter.
Social Recognition Status
We all do give a little thought to what others think about us. Compliments and acknowledgment are good motivators to work harder, be better, and receive appropriate recognition.
This is largely aided by social media since likes and followers bring in a shot of self-esteem, but it can equally induce stress and anxiety. To cash in on additional social recognition, it is good to invest in balance.
Explanation of Avoidance
We do certain things to avoid that are not really happening in cases like, for example, studying for a test in order to prevent the bad side of failing; punishment can indeed motivate a person.
Individually using True Positive and Negative Reinforcement. Excessive negative reinforcement is detrimental but in some cases, harshly a little should be necessary. On the Recognition of Positive Rewards to Build Motivation.
The Needs and Goals Motivation
These two define what we need or what makes us desire. It may be an action or that urge within yearning of one’s goals drawing one not only to what he needs but also what he aspires to in life.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Theory states that Maslow, as humans, we have many levels of needs. First are the basic things like food and shelter, then safety and love with respect, and finally, towards self-actualization.
A company that comprehends this can motivate the employees. First comes the essential needs of sufficient payment and workplaces that are sound. Then come the team-building activities intended to grow and help the individuals feel valued and realize their full potential.
Do you want to set SMART goals?
- Identify what you want to achieve.
- Make sure that it is measurable.
- Make it possible.
- Is this important to you?
- Put a date on it.
Goals towards values
The fact that we may make it to the finishing line in accomplishing a goal is because the goal somehow applies to our values. It is because we care about what we are working towards. Then comes that commitment, which attaches more drive.
The Effects of Emotion on Motivation
Where feelings help in the building of motivation, it is also where they bring about loss. Emotions become a key element in figuring out our drive.
Positive Emotions
Among other brilliant emotions include joy, excitement, and gratitude. Positive emotions fuel our actions. Therefore, when our mood is upbeat and enjoyable, we tend to do things, go outside, and keep active.
Conclusion
Motivation is innervating and inborn-and that visceral gut feel that compels one to improve. Motivation is also outside in external rewards and recognition. All these depend on one’s attributes-nature and nurture, needs, goals, feelings, and other people around them-where understanding will help man grow. Where there is growth, there will be success. What truly drives you? Time that self-reflection to get steps unto a more gratifying life.
