Discover Your Talent (Completed)

Chapter 28. Discover your motivation

Motivation

Motivation refers to the driving force or reason behind an individual's actions, behaviors, or choices. It is what compels someone to act in a particular way, pursue a goal, or make an effort to achieve something.

Motivation can be intrinsic (coming from within oneself, such as personal values or interests) or extrinsic (arising from external factors like rewards or social pressure). It plays a crucial role in determining a person's willingness, persistence, and commitment to working towards their objectives.

Types of Motivation

There are many different types of motivation, but some common categories include:

Intrinsic motivation. This is motivation that comes from within, such as personal satisfaction or a sense of accomplishment.

Intrinsic motivation refers to the internal drive or desire to pursue a task or goal because of personal satisfaction or enjoyment gained from the activity itself, rather than any external rewards or incentives. People who are intrinsically motivated are typically driven by their inherent interest, curiosity, or passion for a particular activity.

Examples of intrinsic motivation include:

1. A student who loves learning and is motivated to excel in school because of their genuine interest in the subject matter.

2. An artist who creates art because it brings them joy and fulfillment, rather than for the purpose of earning money or recognition.

3. A musician who practices and performs music because they are passionate about expressing themselves through music.

4. A hiker who enjoys exploring the outdoors and seeks out challenging trails for the personal sense of accomplishment and adventure.

5. A writer who is driven to write stories or novels simply because they love the process of storytelling and creative expression.

Extrinsic motivation: This is motivation that comes from external rewards or consequences, such as a bonus or a promotion, achievement motivation (motivation to achieve goals and succeed in tasks).

Extrinsic motivation refers to motivation that comes from external rewards such as money, fame, praise, or awards. It involves doing something in order to achieve a specific outcome or reward rather than for the intrinsic enjoyment or satisfaction of the activity itself.

Examples of extrinsic motivation include:

1. A student studying hard to get good grades in order to receive praise from their parents or teachers.

2. An employee working overtime to earn a bonus.

3. A salesperson meeting their sales target to win a trip or prize.

4. A musician practicing for hours to win a competition or award.

5. A person exercising to lose weight or improve their physical appearance.

Social motivation: This is motivation to connect with others and build relationships.

Social motivation refers to the drive or desire to engage in social activities and relationships. It is the motivation to seek out and maintain social connections, to interact with others, and to be a part of a social group.

Examples of social motivation include:

- Seeking out relationships and friendships with others

- Participating in social events and activities

- Feeling motivated to connect with others and form bonds

- Wanting to be part of a community or group

- Feeling a sense of belonging and connection with others

- Being motivated by the approval and acceptance of others

Social motivation can be a powerful force in driving human behavior and can have a significant impact on our overall well-being and happiness.

Other types of motivation include

Power motivation. This is motivation to influence and control others.

Power motivation refers to the desire to have control, influence, and authority over others or situations. It involves the drive to lead, manage, and make decisions that impact others. A person with power motivation may seek out leadership roles, strive for recognition and status, and enjoy the thrill of being in charge.

Examples of power motivation include:

- A CEO who thrives on being in control and making strategic decisions for their company.

- A politician who is driven by the desire to shape policy and make a lasting impact on society.

- An athlete who seeks to dominate their sport and be recognized as the best in their field.

- An activist who is driven by the desire to advocate for change and have a voice in important social issues.

- A teacher who enjoys the authority and influence they have over their students.

Note: It's important to note that power motivation can be a healthy drive when balanced with other motivations, such as achievement or affiliation. However, when taken to an extreme, it can lead to negative behaviors such as manipulation, exploitation, or abuse of power.

Affiliation motivation. This is motivation to belong to a group or community.

Affiliation motivation refers to the desire to establish, maintain, and strengthen interpersonal relationships with others. This type of motivation comes from a fundamental human need for social connection and belonging. People high in affiliation motivation are driven by the desire for closeness, support, and intimacy with others.

Examples of affiliation motivation can include:

1. Joining clubs, organizations, or social groups to meet new people and foster connections.

2. Seeking out opportunities to work collaboratively with others rather than working independently.

3. Engaging in activities or hobbies that allow for social interactions and the opportunity to build relationships.

4. Participating in team sports or group fitness classes to feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

5. Attending social gatherings, parties, or events to connect with others and strengthen existing relationships.

Overall, those with a high affiliation motivation tend to prioritize relationships and social connections in their lives and often find fulfillment in interacting with others and forming meaningful bonds.

Fear motivation. This is motivation driven by fear of failure or negative consequences.

Fear motivation is the motivation to take action or make a decision based on the fear of negative consequences or loss. This type of motivation is often driven by the idea of avoiding punishment, harm or failure.

Examples of fear motivation:

1. Studying hard to avoid failing a test and facing the disappointment of your parents.

2. Saving money for retirement out of fear of running out of money in old age.

3. Exercising regularly to avoid health problems in the future.

4. Following traffic rules to avoid accidents and injuries.

5. Working hard to secure a job promotion and avoid job loss.

Difference between Intrinsic Motivation and Extrinsic Motivation.