The Psychology of Motivation: What Drives Us to Succeed? 

Motivation is an often-used yet poorly understood concept. In many aspects of our lives, we all want to be more motivated, but we don’t know exactly what that means or why it is important. There are numerous psychological theories that attempt to explain what happens in the brain when you’re motivated and what needs or goals lead to being motivated.

Learning how to tap into the psychology of motivation can develop behaviors, surroundings, and participation that make us feel energized, focused, and excited to make a difference. This may help with the success of academic and professional endeavors, as well as personal development. Delve into how motivation works—and what it takes to strengthen motivation in various aspects of life.

What Is Motivation, and Why Is It Important in Life? 

Motivation is always there to a greater or lesser extent, so it’s an important factor because it’s present or not, but also where we find motivation to be, and how different types of motivation relate to our habits, routines, and then our life outcomes and satisfaction.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), motivation is “the activation that energizes, activates, or initiates behavior at the conscious or unconscious level and that provides purpose or direction to the behavior. This impetus, incentive, or force is always present to some extent, although what we find motivational (or why) may differ based on the situation at hand.

However, most talk about motivation is in the context of difficult endeavors that can yield positive results in domains that have the greatest effect on the current and future quality of life. The following are some of the key areas that require good motivation:

Motivation in Career Objectives and Development

In our working life, motivation plays a role in all aspects and even in our readiness to join the workforce. 

This is what makes us commit to several years of college-level training, persevering through many hours of study and other challenges. This is also how we work hard at work, which motivates us to take initiative and think creatively for solutions.

How Does Motivation Shape Behavior and Its Consequences 

Motivation is the driver behind our behavior, influencing choices such as the food we eat, how much we exercise, and how much time we spend on social media. Therefore, it can enable us to defeat the negative short-term urges to embrace beneficial long-term practices which will foster our health and well-being. This can also be a huge difference in personal hobbies and/or creative endeavours – with constant motivation it’s possible to make some great ideas come to life, even when there are obstacles.

How Does Motivation Work and What Are Its Different Types? 

There are many types of motivation, and all are useful or unhelpful in different circumstances. These motivational categories predict our “motivation” in certain situations and not others. This also decides the level of motivation that we have and even whether it can be sustained for several weeks, months, and years.

Extrinsic motivation: Doing it for an External Reward.

Intrinsic motivation is frequently considered to be a voice from within or a calling and is the expression of strong beliefs that drive different emotions or actions. That is, it is a genuine passion for the activity or pursuit itself, and the activity is the ultimate reward.

Extrinsic motivation: Rewards, Recognition, and External Pressures.

Extrinsic motivation is the consequence of external incentives to elicit different attitudes or behaviors. This may entail punishments or rewards, but the impetus comes from sources outside the individual. This might be a compliment, a physical prize, or a promotion.

Intrinsic motivation is often described as the more persistent or more effective type of motivation, but it is not necessarily ‘the better type’ of motivation than extrinsic motivation. 

Instead, the synergy of these two types of motivation can lead to both short-term and long-term motivation and engagement, providing immediate motivation when there is no internal motivation, and continued motivation to persist in effort.

Introjected Motivation: Pressure from Others

Also called introjected motivation, it involves a combination of external and internal motivation in a particular way that is cognitively experienced as internal yet is actually external. This can include internalized attitudes and/or pressures such as “bad feelings” (discomfort), like guilt or shame.

People with introjected regulation might not feel genuinely motivated by their true inner beliefs, but they may also not have clear, goal-oriented standards linked to their extrinsic motivations.

Identified motivation: Selecting Values that have Meaning for the Individual

Like introjected motivation, identified motivation relates to self-determination theory and lies somewhere beyond the typical confines of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. This is a special type of phenomenon in which people might want to engage in activities or assume different responsibilities that are related to their values. This independent strategy can be very fulfilling.

Amotivation: Absence of Motivation.

Amotivation is a lack of intrinsic or extrinsic motivation in relation to a specific activity. Rather, this is known as a “lack or absence of volitional drive to engage in any activity” and is experienced through limited involvement in a range of academic or professional activities, as described in the peer-reviewed journal Heliyon. This can result in a loss of performance and productivity, increased stress and anxiety, and decreased pleasure.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory? 

The brain systems, thinking processes, and environmental or social conditions that highlight human motivation are the basis for many influential psychological theories and frameworks.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Need Fulfillment 

One of the best-known theories in psychological science, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a sequence of increasing needs, with basic physiological needs (food, water) at the bottom, followed by:

• Safety and security
• Love and affection
• Prestige and power
• Self-actualization

While this may appear to be a linear list of needs, we can anticipate having to manage a lot of these needs on any one day. But those who believe this theory think that the lower-level needs are more likely to control our thinking, while fulfilling the upper-level needs is through “becoming,” as Maslow said, “Everything that one is capable of becoming.

Self-determination Theory: Autonomy, Competence and Connection

As previously mentioned, we have discussed self-determination theory (SDT), but there is more to SDT than self-determination, as it also talks about several needs.

• Freedom (free will)
• Competence (believing in one’s ability to effectively carry out tasks)
• Relationality (connection to others – to humans)

This theory, as noted by Richard Ryan, PhD, in the introduction, was developed as a “return to the self” approach to studying human motivation because it “began by looking at what is in people to see how they might learn and be curious.

APA also claims that, with time, SDT has resulted in “positive outcomes in education, parenting, organizations and workplaces, health and medicine, and beyond.

In which Situations is the Expectancy Theory in Effect

Canadian psychologist Victor Vroom proposed three factors that influence motivation as part of his expectancy theory:

• The importance of a specific value or outcome (valence)
• Instruments are the kind that make you feel that if you make an effort or perform the task, it will lead to a certain outcome.
• Expectancy (The belief that one’s level of effort will lead to performance)

In other words, according to expectancy theory, people are more motivated when they not only value the reward they are promised, but also when they feel that their efforts to get the reward will make a difference. With this approach, expectations can drive desired outcomes.

Information used to find out what people want to do? 

The theories discussed earlier are supported by vast research evidence, and research has pointed to the multi-faceted concept of motivation. In addition, key aspects of how motivation can influence behaviours and performance in different contexts (e.g., work environment) and with different people or communities are described.

The Results of Research into the Work Habits of High Performers.

For a long time, industrial-organizational psychologists have been looking to identify exactly what motivates employees in the workplace and to determine which characteristics separate high performers from low performers. They found that the most successful professionals are motivated by a mix of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, and that employers could play a significant role in the overall level of motivation through the strategic design of the work environment, meaningful goal-setting, and creating an environment where they felt as if they were largely autonomous and accountable.

The Importance of Feedback, Rewards and Recognition

Intrinsic motivation has become a major factor in the development of our understanding of extrinsic motivation. There has been a lot of change in our understanding of extrinsic motivation in part because of the rise of self-determination theory and its focus on intrinsic motivation. Mindsets are changing, and professionals are now accepting that, while they are mostly not very impactful, when they are employed effectively in conjunction with intrinsic values, they can actually be quite impactful.

Researchers now want to find out which feedback can increase motivation and not diminish autonomy. Research is encouraging in the area of how gamification can complement extrinsic motivation and how a holistic approach can help provide a balance between the two types of motivation—or even how one type of motivation can help ‘trigger’ the other.

Motivation in all Cultures and Personalities

Motivation is greatly influenced by cultural factors and demographics. This has previously resulted in significant problems with motivation psychology, where researchers have only been able to apply theories without taking into account other factors such as individualism-collectivism in individual motivation.

Intersections of personality and motivation are also worthy of consideration, in that what works for certain people may not work for others, despite the cultural factors at play.

This intersection has been studied by other scientists like Abraham Maslow but has recently received renewed interest. Research has suggested that personality characteristics like extraversion can facilitate commonly suggested sources of intrinsic motivation.

Patterns of Change in Motivation Over Time?

Motivation can manifest in different ways from person to person, and from day to day in our own lives. Our opportunities and conditions shift, and we may feel more driven by other rewards or punishments – and other intrinsic motivations may change too.

Motivation Changes with Age 

While everyone has their own set of motivations to begin with, and at different times, during the teens and 20s, many people can be influenced very strongly by the opinion of others. This is a common tendency in all walks of life but can be somewhat dampened with age due to changes in the brain and in social structures. Intrinsic motivation and values-driven pursuits may have a greater influence later in life.

Coping with Change and a Reassessment of Goals

Differences in brain chemistry, as well as significant life changes that might alter the person’s goals or priorities, can both affect the changes outlined above.

For instance, when people have reached their long-awaited goals, they might look for other avenues to motivate them. When the student graduates and earns his/her bachelor’s degree, he/she can start to consider graduate studies, and the professional who is promoted or gets a higher salary may consider his/her next step.

Likewise, if someone receives some of the rewards that are external to the behavior, they might turn to trying to find internal rewards, and in doing so, may also come to understand that it makes them feel better or brings them more satisfaction.

Boosting Low Spirits 

There’s an “all or nothing” mentality that many people fall into that can be harmful after some minor slip-ups. This is when otherwise motivated people are likely to forgo their efforts even if they are still intrinsically motivated or if they are promised external rewards that still do not sway their decision.

It could be that the psychology of resilience is the reason some people are better able to “bounce back” after experiencing setbacks or other negative events.

Fortunately, as the APA reminds us, today’s research indicates that the “resources and skills that promote more positive adaptation (i.e., greater resilience) can be developed and learned.

Common Motivation Barriers and Solutions?

Motivation is always present to some degree, but not necessarily in a direction that promises academic, career, or personal achievement. However, there are numerous barriers that can get in the way of actual motivation, even when the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards are apparently strong. Common issues include:

Lack of Motivation, Perfectionism, Procrastination.

On the surface, perfectionism may appear to be the ultimate form of motivation, but on a deeper level, it can be quite the opposite: Perfectionism could be what makes it hard for perfectionists to take risks or bounce back from failed attempts.

New research indicates that this can be quite damaging, and it is through this new theory of self-determination that we are understanding the divergent dimensions in which perfectionist strivings (PS) and perfectionist concerns (PC) can influence, for example, procrastination.

Lack of Connection to Purpose/meaning

But many people don’t bother to do a thing because they don’t feel their work is worth it. This is often when work efforts are not felt to be worthwhile.

To avoid this disconnect, the best approach is to be proactive in career planning and feel a sense of belonging to one’s chosen profession. With leaders, the potential for disconnection can be addressed by keeping a values-focused approach and emphasizing cultural alignment.

Environmental and Psychological Factors That Drain Energy. 

Often, even the most enthusiastic professionals can become drained or listless when put in an environment for weeks, months, or years that is not conducive to their performance. The physical work environment may have subtle clues that keep employees from being fully engaged in their work.

For example, an overcrowded space or location may be distracting or even distressing. A study by Deacon Joseph Ferrari, PhD, found that “life satisfaction and clutter are negatively correlated. Other environmental, social, or psychological factors might include perceived social support or the great outdoors.

Building Lasting Daily Motivation? 

Is the need to be motivated part of your natural lifestyle? This can be developed, but it requires intention, starting with awareness of the reasons behind wanting to feel more motivated and how this might enhance one’s life. Here’s some motivation psychology advice to help:

Setting Achievable, Measurable, Meaningful, and Specific Goals

A goal-driven mindset can be rewarding and provide more focus, along with meaning. Wherever possible, set SMART goals, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. These short-term goals should be meaningful to the major passions and/or greater goals, which can help build intrinsic motivation.

Establishing Systems, not just Relying on Willpower.

According to the ego depletion theory, willpower and self-control are finite. For this reason, even the most goal-oriented and motivated people can experience a loss of motivation or a feeling of emotional burnout when they are tested beyond their available resources. Systems, however, can fight this desire to give in, not just with some added extrinsic motivation but with physical support to help hold them up for the long-term.

Power of Accountability, Community and Self-Compassion

While it can be said that motivation is self-motivated a lot of the time, it’s not always the case. In fact, it can be reinforced by the power of community, as family, friends, and colleagues can provide emotional support and accountability to maintain or strengthen motivation.

A supportive community or social network can make a huge difference, but it is important to have a sense of self-compassion. This can help reduce the chance of falling into the aforementioned trap of “perfectionism” and instead view failure as a lesson learned.

How to Create Motivation? 

Understanding the psychological basis for motivation can be a good starting point to getting more motivated in your own life. If you have challenges creating the systems or supports above, you can still make use of creating evidence-based motivational strategies in your life.

Understanding Your Motivation Style Is Key to Making Progress. 

Self-awareness can help motivate you to do the right things by making sure you are seeking the correct rewards. This starts by having a set of intrinsic values that you hold dear, which should also include any extrinsic values. This awareness will enable you to adjust your approach to your own motivational pattern, which will enhance your chances of sticking with it or committing to it.

Strong Motivation Comes from Within, with the Right Support. 

Motivation is no easy trick—it’s about what is meaningful to you. In the end, however, your chances of success are higher when you take up goals that resonate with your core values and have the support of genuine support. This mix can be helpful to conquer all sorts of issues and stay resilient and fulfilled.

Discover the “You” Within with Penn LPS Online?

Find the fun and passion in living your life according to your values in both the classroom and at work. It’s easily accomplished with a degree from Penn LPS Online, the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS).

The Physical and Life Sciences concentration could enable you to gain a perspective on how scientific concepts relate to your own life—and how they can help you make a difference in the world around you. Contact us now to find out more about this opportunity.

The Psychology of Motivation is an FAQ.