Psychology of Human Motivation

Psychology of Human Motivation

Motivation is a very important topic in psychology and in the world at large, simply because most of what happens in the world is somehow related to motivation, albeit not all. So what are the motivational factors driving a person to run a marathon, to finish a book or to exercise on a daily basis. Human motivation psychologists have described several factors. For example, the sense of personal mastery, and internal versus external locus of control. Individuals with higher internal locus of control seem to be more motivated as a general rule.

Perhaps such phenomena are easier to understand from a contrasting viewpoint, or learned helplessness. Indeed, decades ago, well before powerful ethics’ committees revised psychological studies carefully, a series of experiments were carried out on dogs. The experiments which showed that continuous maltreatment of dogs led the canines to simply give up and not even try to fight the situation anymore. The aspect of the dogs’ behaviour have been deemed learned helplessness. Conversely, internal locus of control is the belief that one can and will influence one’s environment and outcomes if one puts effort into it.

What can motivate us to live? Photo by Elena

Motivation is loosely defined as the desire and drive to achieve one’s goals and pursue one’s aspirations. People often complain of not having enough motivation to complete the tasks they set themselves to do, such as running on the treadmill for half an hour, or go running and jogging around the house in the morning. Indeed, keeping fit is promoted by an active lifestyle, many aspects of which require motivation. In general, achievement in sport requires motivation, willpower and staying committed to a particular plan of action.

Thus, some strategies to remain motivated include, but are not limited to: making a commitment, keeping a record, visualizing the positive aspects, taking one step at a time, social support and setting realistic goals and expectations. Further, psychologists say that making a plan and sharing it with at least one other person may contribute to sticking with that plan. The proven trick of making to do lists seems to work as well. Writing a to do list on a calendar or a daily planner and checking off things as you complete them may help. Indeed, psychology of human motivation predicts that goals which are measurable are more motivational.

Moreover, psychological science also distinguishes between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. A study showed that extrinsic motivation can actually impair intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation refers to a situation when someone engages in an activity out of desire to participate in the activity itself. Conversely, extrinsic motivation corresponds to an external motivator such as a reward. In the study, researchers started to pay students for tasks the students enjoyed doing. After a while, it seemed that the students no longer wished to partake in the activities they once enjoyed unless they were being paid. One possible conclusion was that the activity had lost its intrinsic interest to the students, who now only valued what they could get for it.

Nonetheless, self-help books often recommend rewarding yourself after doing something you set yourself to do. Another motivational strategy includes social support and thinking about all the positive benefits derived from completing the task, such as a personal feeling of achievement or health benefits. A good suggestion in keeping realistic goals is to understand and expect that some things may feel difficult. Also, tasks appear more manageable and easier to do when done in small steps. Getting started is key to success! Finally, trying an activity at least five times before quitting is a good way of giving it a fair chance.