How motivation works?

Motivation is a state that can help us in a variety of ways.  Sometimes motivation can be hard to instill in ourselves, and when that is the case, it can be easy to question how motivation works. Motivation is something that definitely works differently from person to person.  Some people are more motivated by external factors, and others are more motivated by internal factors.  External factors could be financial motivators, career motivators, relationship motivators, among others.  Internal factors could be self-esteem motivators, gratitude motivators, among others.  Also, some people are more motivated by consequences, whereas some people are more motivated by rewards. There is no right or wrong answer there, but just important to own what triggers you.  For example, some people are more motivated by knowing there will be a specific punishment if they do not complete something. Other people would be more motivated with the same task if there is a reward at the end instead.

Another important factor about motivation to consider is that it fluctuates.  It is important to see this for what it is because when motivation goes down, it can be easy to give up or feel like whatever task you are doing is not worth it.  It is only natural for your motivation to fluctuate because life circumstances, stress, sleep, diet, and other things impact one’s motivation.  So, when your motivation decreases, try to evaluate while that could be rather than thinking you should give up whatever it is you are doing.

Motivation is easier to increase when you are passionate about something.  Passion is not a necessary component with motivation but a component that can make it so much more natural and easy flowing.  For example, if someone is passionate about psychology and helping others, they will likely be a really motivated therapist.  A therapist that does not have that passion will not necessarily be a bad therapist but will have a more challenging time moving forward with their career.   Passions can also change, so make sure to consider that and even try to change up passions to help ignite more motivation.