Motivation is a complex aspect of human psychology that determines the motivation directing human activities. It is really the internal engine for accomplishing goals, overcoming obstacles, and engaging in various endeavors. The study of motivation therefore means defining it, the various types, and the factors triggering them.
Definition of Motivation
In essence, motivation is a process that stimulates, steers, and upholds goal-directed behaviors. This includes those biological, emotional, social, and cognitive forces activating behavior. More simply, motivation is what gets us out of bed each day and works with respect to attaining our goals.
Types of Motivation
There are two major types of motivation. They are intrinsic and extrinsic.
- Intrinsic Motivation: The term refers to motivation generated by an internal factor. It indicates the performance of activities for their own sakes stemming from personal satisfaction, joy, or fulfillment. For instance, someone creates a work of art for a few hours just because he/she enjoys painting.
- Extrinsic Motivation: While on the other hand, extrinsic motivation comes from outside the expert. Various types of external rewards are money, grades, recognition, or praise. An individual may work extra hours not necessarily out of love for the job, but rather to acquire a crisp bonus or to be considered for such promotions.
Theories of Motivation
To better understand motivation, several theories have been developed:
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: According to Abraham Maslow, human needs can be organized in a hierarchy ranging from basic physiological needs to self-actualization. According to Maslow, people are motivated to fulfill these needs in order.
- Self-Determination Theory: This theory mainly speaks about the aspects of intrinsic motivation, concerned with autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When an individual believes he/she is acting autonomously, and in which he/she sees himself as competent, in at least one area of activity, he/she can become more motivated.
- Expectancy Theory: This theory developed by Victor Vroom states that motivation is a function of an individual’s expectation that their effort will lead to performance and that performance will be followed by determined outcomes. Basically, people are motivated to act because they expect such actions will be successful and because they value being rewarded.
Motivation Influences
The factors affecting an individual’s motivation are as follows:
- Personal Goals: Clear, attainable goals can provide a boost for motivation. Once laid out in such specificity, individuals can avoid being diverted from their objectives.
- Environment: The environment in which one works or resides is another very important contributor to motivation. Encouragement and positive reinforcement can considerably boost an individual’s drive.
- Psychological Condition: The psychological state of an individual probably has some influence on motivation-emotional dimension, stress level or mental health. When in this state of mind, motivation is also seen to increase, while anxiety stands to decrease it.
- Interests and Passion: Enjoyment of activities that link to one’s interests or passions can provide automatic motivation; while this does supply enthusiasm, being involved in something that one is proud to do tends to boost motivation.
Final Comment
Motivation is thus a complex and varied phenomenon that underpins most of human behaviour. Knowledge of what moves us-with either internal drive or external rewards-will allow individuals to exploit much of their potential and properly set their goals. These could range from identifying types of motivation to the influencers of the same, leading to cultivation around oneself and those around them to facilitate a greater sense of motivation and hence, achieve a greater sense of satisfaction and success in the manifold facets inherent in life.
