Where motivation comes from?

Motivation is a drive and feeling that many people strive to implement in certain areas of our lives.  We all respond to sources for motivation differently.  Things that motivate some of us might do the exact opposite to others.  Motivation comes from external and internal sources.  External sources could include things like money, promotions, other’s view of you, among other things.  Internal sources could include self-affirmations, personal goals, and accomplishments, body image, etc.  Some of us are more motivated by external factors, whereas others are more motivated by internal sources. However, it is best to keep in mind a balance of motivating factors to no dependence on one area in particular.  For example, if someone is solely motivated by what others think of them, they will be so dependent on that that when that does not go well, they will likely suffer from serious mental health issues, such as depression. 

Another part of the motivation to keep in mind is if rewards or more driven by consequences more drive you.  There is no right or wrong answer there, and we are just wired differently.  From an early age, we are taught in schools to be driven by consequences, such as being punished when we do something wrong.  However, some schools have picked up on how that does not work for every child and mixed up that approach with rewards-based practices.  It is important to think for yourself about if you are rewarded versus consequences driven in our adult years. 

Sometimes motivation can come from just building discrepancy with whatever issue you are facing.  For example, if you are having difficulty losing weight, you could build motivation by looking at what your life will be like if you continue not to lose weight versus what it would look like if you were to get to a healthier weight.  As you build discrepancy, it is really important to validate yourself along the way.  By affirming yourself along the way, you will feel forward-moving which will help create motivation to continue.