Defining Motivation as
The term “motivation” is used in so many different fields and situations, but what does psychology tells us ? Motivation is that little part of us that spurs us to action. Understanding the driving forces behind motivation has long been of interest to psychologists and businessmen alike. If you want to dive a little deeper and explore your motivation, start by looking at how psychologists define the term.
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A Psychologist’s Definition of Motivation
Psychologists define motivation as the process by which activities are started, directed, and sustained so that certain needs are met. Needs can be psychological (for example, needing validation) or physical (for example, needing food). The idea is that motivation is what guides us to accomplish a goal.
Psychologists have several theories on what forces can cause an individual to act. Some of these theories are based on need, while others are based on instinct and arousal. Motivation can rarely be narrowed down to a single driving force.
Types of Motivation
There are two main types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual. When you are intrinsically motivated, you do something for personal gratification. An example of intrinsic motivation is completing a puzzle because you find it challenging.
In contrast, extrinsic motivation is when you do something to get a reward or avoid a punishment. In this case, the motivation for your behavior comes from something outside of yourself, such as an award or a good grade.
Components of Motivation
Motivation has three main components: activation, persistence, and intensity:
- Activation is the decision to start doing a certain behavior.
- Persistence is continuing to put in the effort to achieve a goal even when obstacles appear.
- Intensity is the concentration and energy that someone puts into accomplishing his or her goal.
Psychologists have identified three main theories of motivation that seek to explain motivation and whether that motivation is biological, emotional, social, or cognitive.
Psychologists theories include the Instinct Theory, the Theory of Drives and Needs, and Arousal Theory.
Instinct Theory
The Instinct Theory states that we are motivated to complete goals through our instincts. Instinct is a fixed, inborn pattern of behavior that acts as a drive. Therefore, Instinct Theory postulates that behaviors occur so we can satisfy basic survival needs. An example of an instinctual drive is fear, which allows people to avoid dangerous situations.
Theory of Drives and Needs
We have biological needs for food, water, and shelter. The Theory of Drives and Needs states that our behaviors are motivated by the necessity to meet these needs. Therefore, we find food, drink, and rest.
Arousal Theory
The Arousal Theory suggests that people engage in behaviors to keep their arousal level at one that is personally optimal. For example, a person with high arousal needs may engage in high-risk behaviors such as skydiving or rock climbing. A person with low arousal needs may be content with reading a book.
Motivation is The Drive That Helps Us Take Action to Better Ourselves
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THE APPLICATION OF MOTIVATIONAL THEORIES
When we think of these theories, we often categorize them based on life experiences.
Money: The quest to meet biological needs, for example, may find expression through the acquisition of money. But after the basic needs are met, other theories may play a part. Most people that work just for money would rather not work. However, the acquisition of the things money can provide may grow and the esteem gained from that can motivate one to strive for more money to have a feeling of ownership, pride, and accomplishment. But you might end up chasing after things you don’t need, and true fulfillment may be lacking.
Avoid Pain, Gain Pleasure: Gaining pleasure may go along with the arousal theory in that some people may be motivated simply by the quest for positive feelings. If an action seems to provide more pleasure than pain, it would likely be the preferred course of action.
When you are motivated to watch a movie rather than wash the dishes, that may be the result of the pain/pleasure balance. A lot of people may put off working on their goals because it does not provide pleasure, but over time as the goals become delayed, the benefits of working toward them may increase. Liken this to putting things off until the last minute.
Drive to Be Excellent: Some people cannot tolerate being second; they are driven to win and be the best. Olympic athletes are an example of this drive to excel, as are some entrepreneurs and leaders. Muhammad Ali is quoted as saying, “I hated every minute of training, but I told myself, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'” Sacrifice leads to success in this case.
Helping Attitude: Some people are motivated by the desire to help others. A philanthropist would be an example of someone that is motivated by this desire to make the world a better place. The motivation to help others may come from an intrinsic disposition combined with a sense of the common good and basic empathy for others.
Power, Fame: Political leaders may be the most obvious class of people driven by the need for power and fame, but many other professions can find this a motivating factor. This is grounded, to some extent, on the desire to influence others. For example, this could include being recognized you are right and others are wrong, or being in a position to judge others.
Passion: The basic drive to achieve may be based on genetic and environmental conditions, but for some people, the fulfillment of achieving goals in itself is what propels them. A passionate person can wake up each day with the drive to achieve what they want in life.
Getting the Help You Need
Think about what it is that truly motivates you. Know yourself first. Make note of what motivates you to achieve and set your course accordingly.
Set Realistic Goals
Goals can be tricky-they need to be big enough to inspire you and small enough to accomplish. Make sure you set yourself goals that are do-able yet challenging, helping give you some direction to your schedule.
Keep a Journal
Writing in a journal helps you connect with that little voice inside you that lights the fire in your soul to work toward your goals. It can help you clear your head AND serve as a reminder of everything you’ve already achieved-which can be motivation in and of itself!
Exercise
Exercise and see your motivation improve! Exercise has been proven to reduce the risk of major depression, increase energy, improve sleep, relieve stress, and boost your mood-all factors that can affect your motivation.
Motivation is The Drive That Helps Us Take Action to Better Ourselves
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Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Getting enough quality sleep can make the world of difference in your motivation, as sleep deprivation has been proven the alter systems involved in motivational processes. So make sure you are getting all your Z’s.