What Exactly Is Motivation and Why Do I Need It?
Motivation is what compels people to take action in order to achieve their objectives–it is the invisible force behind every effort that has meaning or significance. From getting up early each day to pursue a personal dream to study throughout the night for an upcoming exam or to build a business from the ground up, motivation is at the root of all those actions–without it, even the most gifted person may not be able to progress.
DEFINING MOTIVATION
Motivation can be defined as the internal or external impetus; something that creates a desire within someone to act. It includes the motivations that create our wishes, desires, and aspirations. Psychologists generally identify two primary types of motivation:
Intrinsic: intrinsic motivation is a type of motivation that comes from within. It is motivated by your own sense of accomplishment or personal enjoyment. For example, if you enjoy writing, you may continue to write on your own time every day regardless of whether you will receive some form of compensation or reward. Extrinsic: extrinsic motivation is motivated primarily by outside sources. Examples of extrinsic motivation are money, fame, or receiving praise and honors from your peers. For example, you may receive a promotion at work or compete in a sports event to win monetary rewards or recognition.
Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are incredibly valuable and most often work together to help you continue to move forward toward accomplishing goals.
Motivation is crucial for achieving success in every aspect of life. Helping to accomplish anything you want, through motivation you can:
- Find Goals and Accomplish Them
- Overcome Obstacles/Challenges
- Be Focused/Disciplined
- Enhance Productivity/Performance
Without any motivation at all even the most simple of tasks become overwhelming. The motivation behind every effort provides substance or meaning to that effort and turns dreams into real plans.
Motivation has many factors that could impact your level of motivation; some include factors such as:
Vision/Goals: The clearer your goals are the more direction and purpose you will have.
Your Environment: An environment that is positive and has people who support you increases your level of motivation.
Your Mindset: When you believe you can succeed at accomplishing what you want to accomplish, your level of motivation will be higher.
Rewards/Incentives: Outside rewards incentivise you to put forth consistent effort.
By understanding each of these factors you will be able to enhance/maintain your level of motivation.
Ways to Keep Yourself Moving Forward
Keeping your motivation up during challenging times can be tough. Here are some ideas to help:
- Set clear, measurable goals. Break large goals into manageable steps.
- Build a schedule. Consistent actions create discipline and decrease dependence on emotions to carry out goals.
- Celebrate small wins. Realizing that you made progress can keep you motivated.
- Surround yourself with motivational resources. Be with people and media that motivate you.
- Remember “why” you are doing something. Always connect with the “why” behind your action.
What To Do When You Aren’t Motivated
We all occasionally have periods where we aren’t motivated. Rather than waiting to be inspired, take action first. Many times the hardest part is just getting started. If you make an effort to start, then momentum will come naturally. When you do have low energy, make sure you set aside time to rest and recharge your energy. This way you will eliminate burnout, which can cripple your motivation.
Final Thoughts About Motivation
Motivation is one of the greatest tools humanity has at its disposal to positively influence our behaviours and determine our success in society. Motivation is not constant; it fluctuates – but knowing how to maintain and control it will aid in your pursuit of a long-term goal. By identifying your key sources of motivation and implementing strategies to achieve goals, you can remain on track during adversity and continue on your journey!
