Stuck? Can’t seem to get going on that big project? The gym would feel more like a torture chamber than a place to get fit. That has motivation written all over it. Motivation drives us toward our goals, however big or small, and when it is lacking, even the simplest things seem hard.
This article is all about what it means to motivate yourself and how it works. We’ll be discussing different kinds of motivation, what’s happening in your brain, and easy ways to get a boost in the drive aspect. Let’s dive in and find your inner fire!
What is Motivation? A Deep Dive
It is that motivation that keeps you going and propels you forward. It is what makes you want to do something. From a psychologist’s point of view, it’s the initiation, direction, and maintenance of behavior directed toward achieving a goal.
The word motivation comes from the Latin word movere which translates to “move.” This is essentially that which moves a person to action. It’s not quite the same thing as inspiration, which is a spark. And willpower, like a muscle, gets tired. Motivation is the reason for using that muscle in the first place.
Definition and Core Components
Motivation is the reason for but not limited to behavior. It involves:
- Intensity: How much effort is put in.
- Direction: The object intended.
- Persistence: Duration of effort.
Collectively, these portray an individual who is much more likely to achieve a goal.
Extrinsic Motivation Versus Intrinsic Motivation
There are basically two forms of motivation:
- Intrinsic Motivation: It’s that motivation that is driven from within. You would do it just because you enjoy it. You would still enjoy painting, even though nobody is paying you. It feels good!
- Extrinsic Motivation: This is motivation that arises from an outside force. Doing something for eventual reward or to avoid punishment is extrinsic motivation. For example, studying hard to gain favorable grading.
Both of these are important, though intrinsic motivation often leads to more satisfaction.
The Needs, Drives, and Goals of the Motivation Equation
A lot goes into the building of motivation:
- Needs: These are essentially what all people need in order to survive or to be happy. Psychologist Abraham Maslow argued that all humans construct a “hierarchy of needs,” starting with food and housing. As soon as those needs are satisfied, others arise, such as love, belonging, and self-esteem.
- Drives: Biological urges range between hunger and thirst. These cause a sense of discomfort that causes action on your part.
- Goals: This is what you want to achieve. These give you something to aim at and concentrate energy on.
Each of these serves to initiate and sustain motivation.
Psychology of Motivation
Dopamine is linked with pleasure and reward. Serotonin affects mood and well-being. This is what makes motivation not just an abstract phenomenon, but also a reality grounded in events taking place in your brain.
With Dualism Theory and Incentive Theory
Almost everyone who explains motivation boasts two theories:
- Drive theory: We all have actions whereby internal tension is reduced. For instance, thirst may lead one to drink to reduce discomfort.
- Incentive theory: We are motivated to engage in doing something because rewards await for doing it. If you know that you’ll get something in return by doing something, you’re more likely to do it.
Cognitive Evaluation Theory and Self-Determination Theory
- Cognitive Evaluation Theory: Extrinsic rewards sometimes decrease intrinsic ones. If you love playing basketball and then have someone paying you to play, it may not feel so fun anymore.
- Self-Determination Theory: We need three things for feeling motivated: autonomy, which is freedom to make choices, competence, that is to feel good at what we do, and at last relatedness, that is connecting with others.
The Role of Beliefs and Mindset
The mindset plays an important role in motivation. A ‘fixed’ mindset makes one believe that his abilities are set in stone and afraid to confront challenges; that is why a person showing a “fixed mindset” tends to avoid challenges because they might fear failure. They love challenges and see failure as a potential lesson for learning.
Similarly, make sure positive self-talk and visualization would stimulate and ignite that motivational drive within you. Imagine succeeding, and you’re more likely to!
Real World Examples of Motivation in Action
Motivation is something that cuts across everything we do, here are a few scenarios common with almost all people:
Motivation in the Workplace
- Bonuses and raises: Rewards for good work.
- Recognitions: Acknowledging the employee achievements.
- Team-building activities that connect employees with one another.
- Good leadership and healthy workplace culture also motivate.
Motivation at School
- Learning through fun: Offer games and activities.
- Let students choose: Give them opportunities to select projects of their interests.
- Feedback: Provide specific direction to students on how to improve.
Motivation in Personal Development
Whether someone wants to lose weight, learn a new skill, or achieve any personal goal, the person needs motivation to keep walking during hard times.
Elevation of Motivation: Pragmatic Techniques and Tricks
Want to be infused with motivation? Then these are some pretty realistic pointers to getting things done well:
Conclusion
Motivation is a very strong force that drives us towards achievement. Knowledge about the different types of motivation, the psychology behind it, and practicable strategies to boosting the drive would set the keys to unlocking the doors to full potential.
