Motivation
Motivation -Motive comes from the Latin word of motus; ‘a moving, motion,’ meaning ‘that which inwardly moves a person to behave a certain way’
As humans, we all have an innate tendency to strive, want, and to move in a direction of something we desire and deem valuable.
Reaching an understanding of what motivates you, enables you to gain a valuable insight into your nature. It would explain why we set goals, strive for achievement and experience particular emotions; like fear, anger, empathy, pleasure. Understanding this is a pathway to changing the way you think, feel, and behave.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a prominent theory in psychology. This theory can be applied to all our lives, and can often explain our motivations. After our basic physiological and safety needs, each and every one of us strives for respect, recognition and a good sense of self-esteem, in one form or another. These are under the psychological needs umbrella. Although we all have different motivations, they are based on similar things.
In addition to this, I don’t personally believe in having the capability to fully self-actualise (the very top of the hierarchy): to completely understand one’s potential, and the full development of a person’s abilities and appreciation for life.
Whilst I don’t believe in this capability, I fully support the ideas behind it. A person whom is able to recognise their potential, works towards developing their capabilities and appreciate life; is a very happy, and powerful one.
Internal Positive Motivation derives from your passion, talents, skills, and strengths, as well as self-validation or a challenge. Fulfilling this often leads to sustainable joy, lasting success, and a sense of fulfilment. Positive Motivation can also be fuelled by monetary rewards and financial security and professional recognition. This can sometimes cause anxiety and unfulfilment.
Negative motivation is where you act to avoid pain or fear. In addition to this, it is seeking the approval of others and avoiding the pain of rejection. This can often lead to over-competitiveness and self-sabotage. Negative motivation drives us away from self-discovery, actualisation and understanding. It often results in misplaced motivations and distracts our attention from our positive, long-term, goals. Unhealthy competitiveness often derives from the need for self-esteem. If you are concentrating on out-doing somebody else, you aren’t able to focus on reaching your own potential.
All motivations arise from the same source: the desire to be satisfied with yourself. Even the fear of failure, masks the need to feel good about ourselves.
If you are able to understand what your passions are, and what validates you, as well as what you desire from your professional environment; you will be well on your way to understanding your motivations. Whilst negative motivation can be harmful to our self-discovery and actualisation; it is understandable that we would avoid pain and rejection. Possessing the ability to find positive motivation from pain or rejection is particularly beneficial to your journey of understanding and utilising your motivation.
“A negative mind will never give you a positive life” Buddha
