Motivation - our brain’s driving force
Motivation is a fascinating and complex aspect of human psychology. It shapes our actions, dictates our perseverance, and influences our capacity to achieve. However, understanding what truly motivates us requires peeling back layers of conventional wisdom to uncover deeper truths about how our minds operate.
Beyond External Incentives
Contrary to popular belief, external incentives—like monetary rewards or public recognition—are not the ultimate motivators. While they may influence behaviour in the short term, they do not sustain long-term drive. Instead, our ability to act freely and independently stems from intrinsic motivators. These are the elements that align with our inner desires and personal values, allowing us to behave authentically and without external pressures.
The Challenge of Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is critical when navigating motivation. We often find it difficult to push ourselves into action over extended periods, frequently falling prey to procrastination. This is not due to laziness but rather a mismatch between the effort required and the emotional payoff. What genuinely motivates us isn’t merely the promise of a reward but the anticipation of increased joy and happiness—even if it’s just a little more.
Surprises can play a key role in this dynamic. A pleasant surprise activates the reward centers in our brain, injecting a burst of energy and enthusiasm. This phenomenon underscores the power of the unexpected in keeping us engaged and motivated.
The Harmful Effects of Competitive Thinking
In many environments, competitive thinking is promoted as a means to boost performance. However, this approach often backfires, especially for women. Competition can create a toxic atmosphere where doing one’s best is no longer sufficient; instead, individuals feel pressured to outperform everyone else. When only the winner is acknowledged, it undermines the efforts and contributions of the rest, stifling collective progress and individual motivation.
Recognition and respect from peers, rather than competition, are far more effective motivators. These foster a sense of belonging and mutual appreciation, which are critical for sustaining motivation.
The Natural Desire for Growth
Humans possess an innate drive to grow and develop. We want to demonstrate our capabilities, gain validation, and impress not just others but ourselves. This desire for self-improvement is deeply rooted in our psychological makeup, fueling our efforts to achieve and excel.
Can You Motivate Others?
The truth is, you cannot directly motivate someone else. Motivation is an internal process that operates in three specific ways:
Seeking personal gain.
Preferring immediate gratification.
Valuing rewards that are tangible and personally meaningful.
Unfortunately, we are surrounded by systems that demotivate. These systems often present rewards with little personal relevance, eroding our internal drive.
The Preference for Immediate Rewards
Humans are wired to value immediate rewards more highly than future ones. This "present bias" explains why long-term goals often feel less compelling. For our motivational system to engage, the potential reward must feel imminent and directly beneficial.
Eradicating Demotivation: A Priority
Rather than focusing solely on generating new motivation, it is more effective to eliminate sources of demotivation. Here are three key factors that commonly undermine motivation:
Creating Competition: Fostering competition within teams or groups creates an unhealthy environment where collaboration and mutual respect are sacrificed for individual glory. Acknowledging and respecting one another’s efforts is a far more powerful incentive.
Misaligned Rewards: People do not want their performance alone to be rewarded; they seek recognition as individuals for their contributions. Motivation flourishes when people feel valued and affirmed as unique individuals.
Rewards for Mental Efforts: External rewards for cognitive tasks often fall flat. Instead, people thrive when they feel autonomous and self-determined in their efforts, leading to a deeper sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Independence and Happiness
True motivation stems from a sense of independence and self-determination. While personal advancement, recognition, and development are important, these alone are not sufficient. Individuals must feel empowered to showcase their unique skills and talents, knowing their actions are aligned with their authentic selves. Only then can they experience lasting satisfaction and happiness in their achievements.
Conclusion
Understanding motivation requires a shift in perspective. It’s not about piling on external rewards or enforcing competition but about nurturing an environment where intrinsic motivators can flourish. By eliminating demotivational forces and fostering independence, we can unlock the true potential of our natural drive, leading to sustainable happiness and success.
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