What is Motivation? Definition, Example, & Tips for Motivation

Definition of Motivation

“Motivation” describes why a person does something. It is the inner power that pushes us towards taking action. It is the driving force that compels us to move forward, even when barriers obstruct our path. Motivation refers to the reasons for our behaviors, actions, aspirations, and necessities. It is what makes us to take action, whether it's retrieving a glass of water to satisfy thirst or studying hard for dream career.

Pronunciation: mO-ti-vay-shun
(mō'tə-vā'shən)
Also Known As: wish, desire, drive

What is motivation?

Motivation meaning according to dictionary:

• the act or an instance of motivating, or providing with a reason to act in a certain way:
• the state or condition of being motivated or having a strong reason to act or accomplish something:
• something that motivates; inducement; incentive:

Reference - https://www.dictionary.com/browse/motivation (External Link)

According to Wikipedia: Motivation is an internal state that propels individuals to engage in goal-directed behavior. It is often understood as a force that explains why people initiate, continue, or terminate a certain behavior at a particular time. Motivational states are characterized by their direction, intensity, and persistence.

Motivation is studied in psychology, neuroscience, motivation science, and philosophy. Many types of motivation are discussed in the academic.

• Intrinsic motivation comes from internal factors like enjoyment and curiosity.
• Extrinsic motivation, which is driven by external factors like obtaining rewards and avoiding punishment.
• For conscious motivation, the individual is aware of the motive driving the behavior, which is not the case for unconscious motivation.
• Other types of motivation include rational and irrational motivation, biological and cognitive motivation, short-term and long-term motivation, and egoistic and altruistic motivation.

Reference - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motivation (External Link)

In short, when asked what motivation is?
The answer is as simple as this: It is the driving force that keeps one going towards one's goals.

Understanding Positive Motivation and Negative Motivation

• Positive Motivation brings about positive response to the action that one needs to undertake in order to achieve their goals.
• Negative Motivation can lead to fear, anxiety and negative feelings in order to have tasks and goals achieved.

Useful Tips:
Everyone goes through doubts and depression, what keeps the motivated people motivated is the ability to keep moving forward.

Example of Motivation

An employee who takes on extra assignments to develop their abilities and make a bigger contribution to the success of their team could serve as an example of motivation in the workplace. Another example- A student studying hard to get good grades and earn a scholarship.

Top Quotes to Motivate You

• "Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." – Jim Rohn
• "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." – Mark Twain
• "Winners never quit, and quitters never win." – Vince Lombardi
• "Motivation will almost always beat mere talent." – Norman Ralph Augustine
• “Don’t let the fear of losing be greater than the excitement of winning.” – Robert Kiyosaki
• "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." –  C.S. Lewis
• "You are stronger than you seem, braver than you believe, and smarter than you think." – Christopher Robin
• "If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."  – Martin Luther King Jr.
• "You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."  – C.S. Lewis
• "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."  – Nelson Mandela

What is Self-motivation?

Self Motivation is the ability to motivate yourself. The ability to do it yourself without influence from another person. Being consistent without giving up. Self-motivation is the ability to find your drive and ambition from within, to pursue your goals without waiting for approval or rewards from others. It is all about believing that you can accomplish your goals and making a personal commitment to them. Self-motivation is often driven by intrinsic factors like personal satisfaction, interest, and the quest of knowledge. Self-motivation can also motivate and inspire other people by drawing a strong feeling of purpose and drive in n their life.

What Can I Do to Motivate Myself?

Here are some tips and strategies to help motivate yourself:

• Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Clearly state your objectives and ensure that they are reachable, quantifiable, and specific.
• Discover your why: Recognize the motivations behind your objectives and reaffirm your personal reasons for pursuing them.
• Make a daily routine that includes time for work and relaxation.
• Celebrate small victories along the way.
• Always try to maintain a positive outlook and mindset. Have positive thoughts in life by focusing on positive self-talk and reminding yourself that setbacks or obstacles are temporary.
• Surround yourself with inspiring people.
• Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet.
• Stay accountable.

Conclusion:
Motivation is a complex idea that is essential to guiding our actions and assisting us in realizing our goals. Remember, motivation needs to be practiced regularly. With consistent practice and effort, you can develop a more motivated mindset.

Updated on 5/10/2024