Motivational forces are sometimes among the most dominant driving forces of human behavior. They encourage people to set goals, take steps, overcome hurdles, and pursue dreams. Motivation is a common influencer for completion of big projects, health and fitness goals, and long-term career successes. But what is motivation, and how can we motivate ourselves when we need it most?
The Meaning of Motivation
At its core, motivation refers to why we carry out certain actions. It is a cognitive force that drives our workings on goal attainment. Often motivation can be put into effect by our inner drives or via external means. Intrinsic motivation is motivated by internal desires to perform an activity very much for the inherent satisfaction it provides, such as reading a book for the loving of knowledge gained. Extrinsic motivation is driven by external awards, incentives, or esteem of authorities: working hard to get a promotion or an economic enclosure is motivation-bestowing power.
Psychological studies for centuries have established various theories to explain the working propulsions driving motivation. One among them includes the famous Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, stating that humans were motivators by the sequentially ordered needs-viz., basic physiological requirements, leading to higher growth initiatives with respect to self-actualization and personal growth. This means that Maslow more or less theorized that after meeting basic needs of food, shelter, and security, people tended to continue with things like esteem and self-fulfillment.
Types of Motivation
Motivation can be categorized into several different types, helming the explanation of why we do some things over others. The two broad classifications are:
- Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is the driving force within an individual, characterized by engaging in an activity by virtue of its enjoyment or fulfillment in itself. For instance, you exercise because it makes you feel good or even write because you love to express one’s thoughts and creativity. Intrinsically motivated activities generally have a greater long-term impact on reporting satisfaction and persistence since the activity is rewarding in itself, irrespective of external incentives. - Extrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation is the drive to perform an activity not for the sake of enjoyment, rather for the attainment of some form of external reward or outcome. An example would be, usually, the study for a test to get no less than a passing grade or get an overtime job in order to make some extra cash. While extrinsic motivation may fuel an individual to pursue short-term goals or engage in some long-term work that perhaps is not enjoyable, it does not, however, usually sustain motivation in the subjective sense over the long haul.
Theories of Motivation
Many psychological theories expand on how and why motivation influences behavior. Some of the most compelling include:
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
As has been mentioned earlier, Maslow proposed that human beings are motivated by a series of needs, from most basic to most complex. The theory entails satisfying the lower levels of needs, like physiological and safety needs, before moving on to the upper-level goals of self-esteem and self-actualization. - Self-Determination Theory
This is a fairly overarching, broad theory that emphasizes the significance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fostering intrinsic motivation. The general premise of SDT is that a person will be sufficiently motivated when they feel in control of the actions they take (autonomy); feel they can successfully attain the goals they’ve set for themselves (competence); and feel it’s related to the people around themselves (relatedness). The more these three needs are being satisfied, the more motivated and engaged people tend to be. - Expectancy Theory
Developed by Victor Vroom, this theory holds that motivation is impacted by what one expects their actions will achieve. Thus, expectancy theory states that people will be motivated to take actions only when they perceive a likely result of their own actions leading towards the consequences. Expectancy theory describes three components: expectancy (a belief that effort will result in success), instrumentality (a belief that success will lead to a reward), and valence (the value of the reward). - Goal Setting Theory
Developed and put forth by Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, this theory, which perhaps may be called goal-setting motivation theory, deals with the relationship between goal-setting and motivation. Research has indicated that setting clear, challenging goals produces levels of performance above those for vague or easy goals. Such tangible, measurable goals direct attention to the task, embody persistence, and heighten the atmosphere of energy and enthusiasm.
Cultivating Motivation
Motivation at times may seem mildly evasive; there exists the practical mechanism by which one can augment one’s zeal and stay focused on one’s goals:
- Define Your Goals Clearly
Clear goals motivate with direction and sense. Depending on what your goal may be, finishing a project at work, running a marathon, or learning a new language; working toward a concrete outcome gives a concrete plan and a chance to measure progress. - Break Down a Large Task
A task which is large and complex may seem overwhelming and lethargy may make one postpone it. Breaking your goals into smaller, manageable tasks makes it less daunting to make progress. Every small Success propels you towards even greater Success, motivating you. - Find the Why
Seeking a deeper reason why you’re pursuing this goal can be powerfully motivating. Ask yourself why to achieve the goal and relate this to your personal values or long-term dreams. Being strong emotionally connected to the outcome will keep you committed to it. - Celebrate Milestones
Give yourself an occasional pat on the back for all the small milestones you hit along the way. Celebrating the little-originating success is an assurance of positive reinforcement and keeps you motivated in the longer term. Rewards can be simple like taking a pause, allowing yourself to have a certain treat, or simply acknowledging the progress you have made. - Create a Supportive Environment
Surround yourself with people who endorse and cooperate in the number of pursuits you are after. Friends, mentors, colleagues, or whoever can cheer for you or hold you accountable are a boon for motivation and many times help you stick to your gaming plan. - Cultivate Good Habits
Motivation is the best when it converts to some sort of routine. Create habits that are in line with your purposes, such as exercising, remaining organized, and having a time set aside for work. As soon as the habits set, motivation will glide in more easily. - Visualize Success
Visualization can provide a motivating kick. Picture yourself achieving your goal and feeling those great feelings accompanying its accomplishment. Visualization allows you to keep concentrating on the finish line you want to cross and strengthens your determination to go all the way.
Obstacles to Motivation
Still, motivation to succeed is often elusive, usually by stages, feelings of stuckness, helplessness, or overwhelming could rule one’s mind and body. Here are clues to deal with blocks to motivation.
- Progress Not Perfection
When things don’t go so clearly, many may often get easily discouraged, but once again look at it as small-scale steps toward success, taking into account the leap into different stages of success. It could be the even smallest bit or a small win thing that significantly glows when reviewed. What would light the fire would be consistency at work for extended periods of time. - Shift in Perspective
Dare to change your mind when you feel you are dispossessing your motivation. Persuade oneself, instead of stressing over an assignment, that it’s simply a learning experience or a step toward larger goals. Think positively and your motivations will return. - Take a Break
Nothing can crush motivation more than a good bout of burnt-out. Whenever the motivation dwindles, do take a break. Turn off the phone. Relax. Spend time doing something that gives you joy. - Accountability
Someone to share your goals with will carry the weight of accountability. Whether it’s an acquaintance, a mentor, or a colleague, having someone check in can keep you motivated somewhat somehow.
Conclusion
Motivation is a complex, dynamic phenomenon, being a motivating force that compels people to attain goals and tap into their potential. Equipping themselves with some of the types of motivation, the theories of psychology on motivation, and evidence-based strategies that ignite and nurture motivation puts the learners in a better focus towards success.
Motivation, whether internal or external, does not happen by itself; however, it is nurture and development and can thus help in accessing the open route for a person to overcome hurdles on the path to unveiling his or her true potential.
