Motivation is a powerful force! Your ability to work out, complete tasks, and keep you moving in the right direction is all because of motivation. We work hard and we play hard. And the motivation we muster is the reason. We stay committed to our goals, and we push ourselves to be better.
But at the same time, motivation is an elusive, mysterious entity. Sometimes it’s there, and sometimes it isn’t. That being said, most people do have the motivation to at least get up out of bed every morning and live life.
But how does motivation give us the ability to act?
Here are a few theories behind the force that carries us toward our goals.
1. Instinct
The role instinct plays in motivation has become somewhat out of favor. The premise of this theory is that people’s behavior is predetermined by evolution. Animal migration is a perfect example of this idea in action. Of course, instinct definitely explains many abilities and behaviors in the animal kingdom. However, this theory falls short when it comes to explaining more complicated motives based on non-biological goals in humans.
2. Incentive
The concept on incentives promotes the notion that people do things for the sake of receiving a reward. This reward can be anything from money to praise or even just a sense of accomplishment. In addition, this theory suggests that, perhaps, these rewards are not necessary to motivate people to take action. But this theory does suggest that incentive are important because they help reinforce certain behaviors and offer encouragement to others.
Not surprisingly, larger the prize, the more likely you are to take the necessary steps to get there.
3. Drive
This theory is based on the principle that people work to satisfy their needs and desires, which are called drives.
Driven-based motivation can be divided into two types:
Intrinsic drive – this type of motivation is internally generated and involves the person’s need for achievement, mastery, or self-actualization.
Extrinsic drive – this type of motivation is externally generated and involves the person’s needs for money, power, or fame.
4. Arousal
Arousal isn’t just about sex. It’s also about many other types of excitement. If you have an argument, watch an action movie, or even go for a jog, any of these can make you feel better when you’re feeling down or somewhat depressed. Not only that, you can even be aroused or elevate your spirit by adding excitement to your life in ways that may not seem obvious. For example, it is possible you may feel more motivated after going for a walk or drinking some calming tea when you need to bring balance to your day.
5. Humanism
Humans aren’t machines, but we are complex creatures with varying degrees of thought. Psychoanalyst John Maslow developed a hierarchy of needs in his seminal work The Hierarchy of Needs (1934). People have basic needs. Basic needs are things like food, water, and shelter. In addition to those basic needs, humans also have more esoteric desires and needs. We have other needs such as realizing our full potential, expressing our creativity, and cultivating loving relationships.
6. Expectancy
The Expectancy theory suggests that people can shape their own future by how they perceive themselves and their environment. For instance, if you feel good about yourself and you’re confident in your abilities you will be more motivated to accomplish your specific personal goals. By contrast, someone who feels depressed and hopeless will be less motivated and have a much more difficult time reaching their goals.