How to Get Motivated

How to Get Motivated – The Science Behind Motivation

Are you looking to reach new heights in your personal life and career, but find it difficult to stay motivated for long enough to even start to step toward your dream?   If so, the answer could be to unlock the science behind motivation. But before we can start, we will need to understand exactly what motivation is and how to get motivated.
Motivation can best be described as the driving force behind our thoughts, behaviors, and actions. It is a complex psychological concept influenced by internal and external factors. To better understand how to create and sustain motivation in our lives, we need to understand the two main types of motivation.

1. Intrinsic Motivation.

This refers to the internal drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, rather than for an external reward. It is usually driven by a sense of enjoyment, interest, or personal satisfaction in the task or activity.
People who are intrinsically motivated to do something find the activity itself rewarding and fulfilling, and are more likely to engage in it willingly and consistently.
Intrinsic motivation is typically more powerful and longer-lasting than extrinsic motivation, it has been linked to higher levels of creativity, performance, and overall well-being.

2. Extrinsic Motivation.

By contrast is driven by external rewards or incentives, such as money, recognition, or praise. Unlike intrinsic motivation, which comes from within, extrinsic motivation is based on the expectation of receiving something external in exchange for the behavior or activity.
Extrinsic motivation can be effective in the short term, but may not be as sustainable or meaningful as intrinsic motivation. It can also sometimes decrease intrinsic motivation, as people may begin to view the activity as a means to an end rather than a valuable pursuit in and of itself.
However, when used appropriately, extrinsic motivation can help to initiate behavior and increase performance, particularly in areas where intrinsic motivation is low or non-existent.
So now that we understand the different types of motivation, what is the actual science behind them and how can we use them to show us how to get motivated? Well, there are three main theories that we can apply to help understand the science behind motivation.

1. Self-determination theory.

This theory explains that people are motivated by their basic psychological needs to be in control, feel connected to others, and be able to feel capable. When these needs are met, people find themselves much more able to experience intrinsic motivation and to be able to engage in activities for their own sake, rather than for external rewards.

2. Goal-setting theory.

By which specific, challenging, and achievable goals can lead to an increase in one’s motivation and performance. This theory claims that goals should be measurable, have a specific timeline, whilst being challenging enough to inspire effort, but not so difficult that they are unattainable.

3. Expectancy theory.

This third theory shows that people are motivated by their strong belief that their efforts will lead to their desired outcome. That motivation is influenced by three factors: expectancy (a belief that effort will result in a specific level of performance), instrumentality (the belief that performance will result in a specific outcome or reward), and valence (the value that a person places on the expected outcome). The greater the person’s belief in each of these factors, the more motivated they will be to make sure that the reach their goals.
Now that you know the science behind motivation, you can start to apply it. Here are the steps that you need to take.

1. Spend a little time in reflection to Identify your intrinsic motivators, your values, your interests, and your passions.
2. Next decide what it is that you want to achieve. Set very specific, achievable goals. This gives you something to aim for.
3. Focus on building and improving your key competence in the areas of your life that really matter to you and will make a difference to your life. Form supportive relationships to foster relatedness.
4. Finally, get to work on developing a growth mindset. This involves seeing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. You’ll be amazed at what a difference this makes, you’ll gain a whole new outlook on life.

By understanding the science of motivation and applying it to our lives, you now know how to get motivated and how to stay motivated, how to achieve your goals, and how to lead a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
So, go to it. Take the time to explore your intrinsic motivators, set your achievable goals, and develop your growth mindset.

Further Recommended Reading

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

Jen Sincero offers a fun and irreverent take on personal development. She encourages readers to embrace their inner badass and pursue their dreams with confidence and enthusiasm. The book is full of practical advice and exercises to help readers identify their strengths and overcome their limiting beliefs.

Sincero’s writing style is engaging and humorous, making this book an enjoyable and inspiring read for anyone looking to improve their mindset and achieve their goals.

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

This classic self-help book provides practical advice on how to think positively and overcome negative thoughts and emotions, which can help boost self-confidence and improve overall well-being. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive mindset and developing a strong faith in oneself and the universe.

The book is inspiring, and includes practical exercises and tools for developing self-confidence and a positive mindset. Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone looking to overcome negative thinking and improve their self-confidence.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This timeless classic from Napolean Hill offers a wealth of practical advice on how to achieve success and abundance, which can help boost self-confidence and improve overall well-being. Hill shares the insights and strategies he learned from studying successful people, and emphasizes the importance of developing a strong desire, a positive mindset, and persistence in achieving your goals.

The book includes practical exercises and tools for developing self-confidence and achieving success. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their self-confidence and achieve their goals.

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World by Admiral H. McRaven

A motivational and inspiring book that offers practical advice for achieving success in life. Based on a commencement speech he gave at the University of Texas at Austin, McRaven emphasizes the importance of taking small actions that can lead to big changes.

The book is divided into ten chapters, each of which focuses on a different lesson that can be applied to achieving success in life. One of the standout features of this book is the emphasis on discipline and perseverance, as well as the power of teamwork and camaraderie.