Motivating Yourself
Motivation is related to, but distinct from, emotion. Our motivation levels are not constant and are affected by a combination of internal and external factors. Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that is driven by an interest or enjoyment in the task itself, and exists within the individual rather than relying on any external pressure. The self-control of motivation is increasingly understood as a subset of emotional intelligence; a person may be highly intelligent, yet unmotivated to dedicate this intelligence to certain tasks. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside of the individual. Common extrinsic motivations are rewards such as money, recognition, achievement and the threat of punishment. Competition is in general extrinsic because it encourages the performer to win and beat others, not to enjoy the intrinsic rewards of the activity. Social psychological research has indicated that extrinsic rewards can lead to a subsequent reduction in intrinsic motivation. In one study demonstrating this effect, children who were rewarded with a ribbon and a gold star for drawing pictures spent less time playing with the drawing materials in subsequent observations than children who were given no reward. Their focus was no longer on enjoying the process of drawing, as it was now centred on completing a picture to obtain a reward. Their motivation for drawing had changed, which in turn changed their behaviour.
Look at the particular areas of your life that you are seeking to improve your achievements in. I want you to try and see if you can identify whether your motivation in each area is intrinsic, extrinsic or a combination of both. What specifically activated your motivation to achieve in this area? Are you motivated enough to see tasks through to the end, or does your motivation wane and tasks are left incomplete as a result? Are you motivated to dedicate an intense level of your time, effort and resources to achieving in this area of your life? Analysing, identifying, recognizing and becoming familiar with your levels of motivation is an essential process on the road to enhancing your achievements. This process is the first step in helping to raise your levels of motivation, which in turn will result in greater achievements.
You can learn all you need to know about motivation from my book, Live A Motivated Life. You can get your copy now, by clicking here. Invest in yourself!
Look at the particular areas of your life that you are seeking to improve your achievements in. I want you to try and see if you can identify whether your motivation in each area is intrinsic, extrinsic or a combination of both. What specifically activated your motivation to achieve in this area? Are you motivated enough to see tasks through to the end, or does your motivation wane and tasks are left incomplete as a result? Are you motivated to dedicate an intense level of your time, effort and resources to achieving in this area of your life? Analysing, identifying, recognizing and becoming familiar with your levels of motivation is an essential process on the road to enhancing your achievements. This process is the first step in helping to raise your levels of motivation, which in turn will result in greater achievements.
You can learn all you need to know about motivation from my book, Live A Motivated Life. You can get your copy now, by clicking here. Invest in yourself!
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