We explain what motivation is and what its main characteristics are. We also explain what motivation factors are.
Motivation has a significant impact on human behavior.
What is motivation?
Motivation is the internal force produced by a desire or need, which leads the individual towards a goal. For example, studying to pass an exam or playing a sport because he enjoys the activity.
The motivation explains the why of human behaviorwhich is why it is a factor studied from a psychological perspective, and of interest in various fields, such as education, work and market research.
Depending on their origin, there are two types of motivation. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside and is generally associated with a reward (material or not), for example, receiving a prize. Intrinsic motivation is due to factors or impulses that are internal to the subject, for example, the gratification of solving a puzzle.
Characteristics of motivation
Motivation drives health-oriented behaviors.
Motivation can be assessed by behavior and the results achieved. Some of its characteristics are:
- It is an internal psychological phenomenonIt cannot be measured or observed directly, but is studied through the behaviors it triggers and the results obtained.
- It is complex. It integrates cognitive, emotional and social aspects. For example, feeling motivated to study a career can be driven by a personal aspiration or by a family mandate.
- It is intentional or purposeful. It is aimed at meeting a previously stated goal or objective. For example, sell more, produce more or learn a language.
- Generates active or persistent behaviors. It involves focusing energy in the direction of a goal. For example, training to improve sports performance.
- Generates self-esteem. Setting new challenges and achieving goals renews self-confidence. For example, taking on a new activity can help you discover new strengths.
- It feeds back. It moves behavior in a certain direction and, by obtaining positive results, reinforces enthusiasm for that behavior. For example, learning some letters motivates children to read words.
- It differs from pressureIt is a positive stimulus, different from feeling obligated to do something. For example, in a work environment, establishing clear, short-term goals generates a feeling of achievement that motivates one to make an effort.
Motivation factors
The motivation to achieve something drives growth and excellence.
Motivation factors are the behavioral triggers to which human beings are subject. Two types of motivation factors can be distinguished, depending on their origin:
Biological triggers
Biological triggers are those that have an organic basis, that is, they are needs of the body. They seek to satisfy innate physiological needs, which is why they are considered universal. For example, feeling hungry indicates a physiological need that motivates you to eat, just as feeling tired motivates you to sleep.
Social triggers
Social triggers are linked to the internal needs of people as social subjects. Social factors can be:
- Achievement. It is what drives the individual to grow, to achieve excellence in what he does. For example, managing to complete a marathon.
- Membership. It is what drives the individual to seek similar interpersonal relationships. For example, participate in a club to share interests.
- Can. It is what drives the individual to achieve influence over other people or the situations around them. For example, winning an election to represent the interests of a group.
- Self realisation. It is linked to the improvement of skills and abilities. For example, practicing a magic trick to improve it.
- Recognition. It is linked to the search for appreciation and acceptance. For example, being valued as a good student at school.
Types of motivation
Motivation has different effects depending on whether it comes from the environment or from within the person.
- Extrinsic motivation. It comes from outside. It can mean both obtaining a reward or gratification and avoiding a negative effect. For example, working to earn money or tidying up the room to avoid being scolded.
- Intrinsic motivation. It comes from within. It implies personal gratification, one’s own desire. For example, dancing for pleasure or reading a book out of interest in a certain topic.
Lack of motivation
Motivation is a dynamic and complex process. Many factors influence the possibility of generating actions to achieve goals. It is possible that at times People feel like they lack drive to achieve their goals.and experience demotivation.
Demotivation can be related to various problems, such as a lack of self-confidence, fatigue, stress or a lack of clear objectives. These are factors that cause motivation to decrease. The causes of demotivation can be addressed by developing different strategies depending on the case.
For example, if a person feels unmotivated to study, they may think about the benefits they will gain from passing an exam. On the other hand, there are more complex situations (for example, a general feeling of apathy) that require more comprehensive resources to be overcome. For example, setting small goals or looking for new objectives that are interesting.
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References
- Maslow, A. (1991). Motivation and personality. Madrid: Diaz de Santos.
- Palmero, FC (2005). Motivation: Behavior and process. REME, 8 (20-21). http://reme.uji.es
- Woolfolk, A. E. (1996). Psychology of the education. Mexico: Educational Programs Editions.