Motivation can be defined in numerous ways, but there are two basic definitions or descriptions. It can be defined as the main reason or reasons that individuals partake in a certain behavior, specifically human behavior pursuant to the study of psychology or neuropsychology. It can also be defined as the driving force that initiates and drives an individual’s behavior. It is the internal energy that propels us to achieve our goals. Typically, it is considered to be a dynamic state of mind not concerned with personality. There are three aspects of human behavior that motivation is based and founded in: 1. arousal of behavior 2. direction of behavior 3. persistence of behavior Arousal of behavior relates to a specific thing that activates behavior whereas direction of behavior relates to what is responsible for directing the behavior. Persistence of behavior relates to how the behavior is sustained. What drives an individual to be successful is referred to as motive. Usually, all motives fall into one of three categories and are considered to be physiological or psychological in nature: 1. homeostatic motives – hunger, respiration, thirst, etc. 2. nonhomeostatic motives – curiosity about the environment, seeking shelter, etc. 3. learned or social motives – achievement, approval, power, social affiliation, etc In any endeavor that an individual undertakes, motivation (or the lack thereof) is the key element behind the success or failure of the endeavor. It plays a key role in the workplace where the effective performance of an employee is concerned. Management or supervisory personnel have a direct impact and play a significant role in employee motivation in that they employ different motivational techniques to raise productivity levels. It also follows that this has a direct effect on the cooperation levels between the employer and the employee. Motivation can also be classified as 1. negative or positive 2. obvious or subtle 3. intangible or tangible Education or learning is also interrelated with motivation and instructors will oftentimes employ motivational techniques to get their students to learn. It can benefit the student by making them more competent as well as encouraging confidence and the ability to solve problems. Self-motivation has also been classified into two different types: 1. Extrinsic – generated by external factors 2. Intrinsic – generated by internal sensations and is longer-lasting than extrinsic Self-motivation is considered to be intrinsic in nature, and originates from an individual’s internal drives. It is the basis for overcoming obstacles in the path of achieving one’s goals. Additionally, certain external factors are responsible for driving a person into undertaking a new project or to move in a positive direction. Characteristically, self-motivation is comprised of three factors: 1. beliefs 2. desires 3. values Since an individual cannot rely on others for motivation, self-motivation has to come from within. It plays a key role wherein the individual gathers the courage and strength to achieve certain goals, and is essential for developing new undertakings or making a positive change in one’s lifestyle. Training programs have been proven to be the best way to educate oneself in order to improve motivation and self-motivation.
Archive for the ‘Motivational’ Category
Motivation – the 3 Aspects of Human Behavior You Must Know to Succeed
Saturday, September 4th, 2010How to Feel Even More Self-Motivated
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010I have a confession to make; I, on occasion, have felt a little de-motivated. Yes, me, the ‘Motivation Doctor,’ feels a bit lacking in motivation from time to time, just like everybody else.
I’ve talked in the past about how to develop your Brain and Body Energy to build self-motivation; so here’s another suggestion – Spend time with positive people.
Last Saturday I had lunch (well beer and chips) with five of my really good friends. They’re always interested in what I’m doing, really supportive and they really make me laugh! When I leave them, I feel much better and more motivated than I did before we met.I like to think that I do the same for them, and that’s the secret to receiving support and motivation from others; you need to hand out some ‘Warm Glows’
So let me ask you; do you remember how you felt after your last interaction with another person either on the phone or face to face? That person – it could have been one of your customers, a colleague, a salesperson, a friend or even a member of your family. Did they make you feel good, uplifted and more positive? Did they leave you feeling neutral or, even worse, did they make you feel down and more negative?
Unfortunately, most of us have grown up in a negative culture where it’s much easier to tell people what they did wrong rather than praise them when they succeed. Research in the United States found that 65% of employees received no recognition for good work in the past year. Similar research in other countries of the world shows comparable results. Other research has shown that the number one reason people leave their job, and customers take their business elsewhere, is that they don’t feel appreciated. (And if you think about it – many people leave their partners for the very same reason) If customer’s leave an interaction with you or one of your team feeling better than they did before, then they’re much more likely to come back, recommend you to other people and spend more money with you.If one of your team feels better after an interaction with you then they’re much more likely to pass that feeling onto a customer.
“The way you treat your staff is the way they’ll treat your customers” – Karl Albrecht
If a friend feels better and more motivated after spending time in your company, then they’re much more likely to return these feelings to you.
So, go ahead; give some positive and motivational comments to the other people in your life and you’ll have – a workplace that’s more productive and more fun – more happy customers – more friends – better relationships and a healthier, happier and longer life.
Remember – “Hand out warm glows, not dampeners.”
Let’s Get Motivated
Saturday, August 14th, 2010
What’s your motivation? What’s keeps you going when you sometimes do not feeling like continuing on? Do you have a goal you want to accomplish? Are you trying to impress a love one? Are you motivated for health reasons? Well, whatever your motivation is, let’s get motivated and let stay motivated.
Motivated people get things done. Motivated people do not procrastinate or hesitate when it comes time to do something. Motivated people are successful people and successful people are motivated people. You will never achieve success if you are not motivated. A person’s desire to be successful is their motivation. Money could be your motivation, fame could be your motivation or even wanting to help other people could be a motivation for you.
I believe that there is something that motivates everyone to do something whether it is a negative or a positive motivator. Positive motivation is what yields positive results and a positive lifestyle.
Self motivation is your ability to satisfy your desires or goals without having to be influence by someone else. Self motivation to me is the key to a healthy and successful life. Self motivation puts you in control. You do not have to wait on someone to get moving or get going. You encourage and motivate yourself. Self-motivation along with self-esteem is what leads to self-improvement. Self motivation helps you build your confidence in yourself. Self motivated people are the leaders of the pack. Self motivated people run and own the companies your work for and buy from. Self motivated people do not make excuses they make the rules you live by.
Now whether you need a little push to get going or not, that does not matter. What matters is that you get moving and doing something productive in life. Motivated people live longer, healthier and successful lives than procrastinators and complainers. “So let’s get motivated and stop complaining!”