We all know that motivation plays a crucial role in everyone’s life, but what is it? What is the process of motivation?
Let’s go deeper into the theory of motivation and its practice. First let’s define the subject matter to understand what it means.
What Does Motivation Mean?
What is motivation?
What does motivation mean? What defines motivation and how does it affect human behavior?
This term comes from the word ‘motive’.
- It is the inner power that pushes you toward taking action and toward achievement.
- The strong desire to do and accomplish something that important to you.
- It is the zest, driving force, energy, and the fire burning inside you that keeps you going toward a certain goal.
- The power that makes you wake up each morning with energy, ready to start your day and work to accomplish your goals.
- Motivation means enthusiasm, eagerness, passion and interest.
- The ambition and the desire to do and accomplish things.
Motivation is powered by desire and ambition, and therefore, if they are absent, motivation is absent too.
Sometimes, motivation is triggered by external factors, such as a book about successful people, a movie, a certain event or pep talk. These factors awaken the desire to take action, follow a dream, or just carry a certain task.
These factors or triggers can be strong and motivating, and push you forward, until you accomplish what you set out to do. Sometimes, the trigger might wear off after a while, and you need another dose of incentive factors.
Sometimes, you might have the desire to get something done or achieve a certain goal, but if the desire and ambition are not strong enough, you will lack the push, the initiative, and the willingness to take the necessary action.
In these cases, there is a lack of motivation and inner drive, and you need, in some way or another, awaken them.
When there is motivation, there is initiative and direction, courage, energy, and the persistence to follow your goals.
A motivated person takes action and does whatever is needed to achieve his or her goals.
Motivation gets stronger, when you have a vision, a clear mental image of what you want to achieve, and also a strong desire to manifest it. In such a situation, motivation awakens inner strength and power, and pushes you forward, toward making your vision a reality.
Motivation can be applied to every action and goal in life.
You need motivation and enthusiasm to:
- Learn a foreign language
- Strive to get good grades at school
- Take a walk every day
- Exercise your body
- Make more money
- Get a better job
- Own a business
- Become a writer, a doctor or a lawyer
This is just a short list. There might be other goals that are more applicable to you.
Motivation is available, whenever there is a clear vision, precise understanding of what you want to do, a strong desire, and faith in your abilities.
Motivation Is One of the Most Important Keys to Success
When there is lack of motivation and incentive, you either get no results, or only mediocre ones, whereas, when there is motivation, you attain greater and better results and achievements.
Compare a student who lacks motivation and who hardly studies, to a student who is highly motivated, and who devotes many hours to his studies. Each student will get absolutely different grades.
Lack of motivation means lack of enthusiasm, zest, incentive and ambition, whereas the possession of motivation is a sign of strong desire, energy and enthusiasm, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve what one sets out to do.
Two Types of Motivation
Research shows that there are two types of motivation:
Intrinsic motivation
It is the act of doing something without any obvious external rewards. You do it because it is enjoyable, you like doing it, and because it is interesting. You do something, without an outside incentive or pressure, such as a reward or deadline.
Extrinsic motivation
It is behavior driven by external rewards. The rewards can be tangible, such as money or a present, or intangible, such as praise, position, or status.
How to Strengthen Your Motivation
Here are a few tips on how to strengthen your motivation, so you can achieve whatever it is you want.
1. Set a goal
You will need to know exactly what it is that you want. This will create a clearer image in your mind, and you will be able to focus on your goal more easily.
2. Split your goal into several minor goals
If you have a major goal, it would be a good idea if you split it into several minor goals, each small goal leading to your major goal.
By dividing your goal into several, smaller goals, you will find it easier to motivate yourself, since you will not feel overwhelmed by the size of your goal and the things you have to do. This will also help you feel that the goal is more feasible, and easier to accomplish.
3. Finish what you start
Understand that finishing what you start is important. Hammer into your mind that whatever you start you have to finish. Develop the habit of going to the finish line.
4. Seek the company of motivated people
Socialize with achievers and people with similar interests or goals, since motivation and positive attitude are contagious. Associate with motivated people, who share your interests. The people can be your motivation model
5. Don’t be a procrastinator
Never procrastinate anything. Procrastination leads to laziness, and laziness leads to lack of motivation.
6. Stay persistent, patient and persevering
Persistence, patience and not giving up, despite failure and difficulties, keep the flame of motivation burning.
7. Reading
Read about the topics of your interest. This will keep your enthusiasm and ambition alive.
8. Affirmations
Repeat affirmations every day. Keep repeating to yourself that you can, and will succeed.
9. Look at photos of the things you want to get, achieve or do
This will strengthen your desire and make your subconscious mind work with you
10. Visualization
Visualize your goals while, awaken a feeling of happiness and joy. Do this several times a day, whenever you have the time.
11. Avoid worries and doubts
If you find yourself worrying and having doubts, direct your thoughts to something else. Don’t allow worries and doubts stop you from doing what you want to achieve.
12. Higher levels of Employee motivationLearn more about motivation
