What Is Motivation?

Why do we do the things we do?
In some circles of psychology and in the world of work, some say our actions are primarily driven by our nature, our biology and our makeup as people. Others choose to see motivation in the form of money, attention, power and other rewards.

For most purposes in today, motivation consists of the reasons that we act in a certain way. We may indeed be motivated by influences as basic as pain and pleasure, which can include sleeping and eating. On the surface, we may also be motivated by the pleasure we get from a particular type of work, a pastime or the desire to help someone else achieve their goals.

A 1981 study proposed that we are driven by at least three motivating factors. These include internal condition, desire that needs energy to pursue and the influence of intensive needs. (Kleinginna and Kleinginna). Others add such biological conditions as arousal.

The key to understanding motivation is, to some, understanding why it is important to an individual or to a group or organization. To some psychologists there are even two levels of importance, with motivation relegated to a secondary level. Are we motivated by direct influences such as the immediate environment, acting without further consideration? Or do we react after the immediate cause interacts with our memories and basic emotions? Stated simply, are sources for motivation internal, external or a combination of both?

These distinctions are quite important in both the work setting and the social/community setting. The answer to any question about the nature of motivation may lie in the difference between our reaction in an emergency or threatening situation and our reaction in a calmer, more deliberative situation.
Many people have a single-word answer when asked about motivation – goals. These goals can be financial, such as reaching a certain salary level or a level of financial stability that makes us comfortable. The goals can also be philosophical, such as being a good person who gives most of his or her time to helping others.

In a pure business sense, motivation may be seeing a title and name on the office door that indicates arrival at a certain professional level. Personal goals are achievable, while for many, achieving someone else’s goals is not realistic. This fact alone is crucial in a business setting according to most counselors and business advisers. No matter the position a person occupies in the work or social setting, that individual must have a genuine interest in the results to be successful.
Here are some great ideas to work with.

Set a goal, then follow the path you set and finish what you start. Associate with others who have the same interests and motivation. Learn, always learn. Work and play in harmony with others. Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Though many people put money at the top of their motivation list, the truth about motivation usually lies in factors other than dollars, pounds or any other currency. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to answering the question: What motivates me?

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