Driving Force: Identifying Your Primary Motivator

1. Definition of Motivation:

Motivation is a set of psychological processes that determine the direction, capacity, and continuity of an individual’s behavior.
* Direction: Refers to the goal we seek to achieve.
* Capacity: Represents the amount of energy and effort we expend to achieve this goal.
* Continuity: Reflects the duration we commit to working toward achieving the goal, even in the face of challenges.

2. Scientific Theories of Motivation:

• 2.1 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: This theory suggests that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy, where basic needs (physiological and safety) must be met before an individual is motivated to meet higher needs (social, esteem, and self-actualization).
• 2.2 Self-Determination Theory (SDT): This theory focuses on the importance of meeting three basic psychological needs to enhance intrinsic motivation❓:
  • Competence: Feeling capable of accomplishing tasks and achieving success.
  • Autonomy: Feeling freedom and choice in setting our goals and how to achieve them.
  • Relatedness: Feeling belonging and connection with others.
• 2.3 Expectancy Theory: This theory suggests that motivation depends on an individual’s expectations regarding their ability to achieve success and their evaluation of the value of the consequences of this success.
  • Equation: Motivation = Expectancy x Instrumentality x Valence
    • Expectancy: An individual’s belief in their ability to accomplish the task successfully.
    • Instrumentality: An individual’s belief that accomplishing the task will lead to specific results.
    • Valence: The value of the expected outcomes for the individual.

3. Types of Motivation:

• 3.1 Intrinsic Motivation: Arises from within the individual and is the desire to do a certain activity for the pleasure, interest, or personal satisfaction that this activity provides.
• 3.2 Extrinsic Motivation: Arises from external factors, such as rewards, punishments, or social recognition.

4. The Big Why:

The Big Why is the ultimate goal or purpose that guides our lives and motivates us to achieve our goals.
* 4.1 Importance of The Big Why:
* Providing Direction: Helps us prioritize and direct our efforts towards achieving our most important goals.
* Increasing Flexibility: Helps us overcome obstacles and challenges because we believe in the importance of the goal we seek to achieve.
* Boosting Energy: Gives us the energy and enthusiasm needed to achieve our goals, even in difficult times.
* 4.2 Discovering The Big Why:
* Deep Thinking: Ask yourself “why?” repeatedly until you reach the root cause behind your goals and desires.
* Identifying Values: Identify the values you believe in and consider important in your life.
* Reflecting on Experiences: Think about the experiences in which you felt happiness, accomplishment, and satisfaction, and try to identify the common factors between them.

5. Practical Applications:

• 5.1 In the Workplace:
  • Setting Clear and Measurable Goals: Helps employees understand what is expected of them and how their performance will be evaluated.
  • Providing Opportunities for Growth and Development: Helps employees feel competent and autonomous.
  • Recognizing and Rewarding Outstanding Performance: Enhances extrinsic motivation and encourages employees to exert more effort.
  • Creating a Positive and Supportive Work Environment: Enhances the feeling of belonging and relatedness.
• 5.2 In Education:
  • Connecting Curricula to Students’ Interests: Increases their intrinsic motivation to learn.
  • Providing Opportunities for Students to Participate in Extracurricular Activities: Enhances their feeling of belonging and relatedness.
  • Providing Support and Guidance to Students: Helps them overcome challenges and achieve success.