Motivation is that impulse that leads us to fight for a goal that excites us, no matter how much it costs to reach it. When we are motivated, working every day becomes easier; on the contrary, when fatigue lurks and obstacles appear on the road, staying constant is more difficult. In this post, we will talk about the types of motivations, which ones we should pursue and how to maintain them.
Read on if you also need that extra bit of energy for day-to-day!
What is motivation?
We could define motivation as the wick that undertakes a set of actions and that leads to the achievement of a goal that we desire very intensely. Motivation is the force that makes us keep going in adverse moments and that forces us to get back on track when we stray, but this is not always easy. Depending on the complexity of our goals, motivation can fluctuate, even making us give up.
What to do when motivation disappears? Can that illusion be recovered? The answer is yes, but first, it is necessary to understand how the different types of motivations work and how to find them.
What are the types of motivations?
Motivation does not always come from the same source, and depending on where it comes from, we will be talking about one type of motivation or another.
First, with the concept of motivation, you can make two major divisions: extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation. The first comes from external factors, such as rewards. The second came from internal factors of each person, such as the desire to improve or grow personally. Both are equally valid, but intrinsic motivation feels more satisfying and lasts longer.
We will see the other types of motivations in detail below, stay and start working on the one that best suits your personality.
Positive motivation
Positive motivation begins on the person’s own initiative and is maintained by the pleasant reward (of whatever type, internal or external) that the action carried out brings.
Negative motivation
It refers to the process by which a person takes the initiative to act to prevent something negative from happening. It can be a punishment inflicted by an external agent or to avoid feelings of frustration, fear or sadness.
Basic motivation
This type of motivation has a strong base of commitment, as, for example, the one that an athlete can have with their results or an athlete with their team. It arises when, from an action, a reaction is directly triggered.
Everyday motivation
Let’s say that daily motivation is the most productive and the one that can make us feel the best on a day-to-day basis. It consists of the feeling that new and small challenges are overcome every day, which makes us stay active and awake.
Ego-focused motivation
It arises when we compare ourselves with others and want to be the best in any field. Competitiveness does not have to be bad, as long as we know how to manage it and it does not end up affecting our mental health or restricting the freedom of others.
Task-focused orientation
This type of motivation also arises from the interest in improving oneself, seeking to progress in a field and achieving new records.
Tips to motivate yourself: first and foremost, don’t give up
If you are tired, learn to rest, not to give up.
Surely you have heard this phrase more than once, and although it is almost a mantra, it has a lot of meaning behind it. Sometimes we think that motivation comes from nowhere and that it will be there forever and, mistakenly, when it disappears, we tend to think that our goal was not worth it. Well, this is just a self-convincing measure that will only lead us to give up and fail over and over again.
It is normal that we have peaks of motivation, days of getting tired, streaks in which other problems affect us, etc. And it is also normal for the motivation to disappear, but you must value two things when this happens: all the journey that you have already travelled and the reward.
When there is no motivation, the obligation persists.
This is another key phrase that you can repeat to yourself every time you think about throwing in the towel. If you want to achieve a goal, you will not always be able to use the motivation to make an effort, but you will be able to use discipline and willpower. You will see how good you feel when you do your duty!
But, apart from phrases, we also bring you very useful tips like these:
- Set Clear Goals – Define specific, achievable goals. Break your goals down into smaller, achievable steps to maintain a sense of progress and accomplishment as you go.
- Find Your Purpose – Connect your daily actions and efforts to a larger purpose. Reflect on what you are truly passionate about and how your actions bring you closer to that vision.
- Surround yourself with motivating people – seek the company of people who inspire and encourage you. The support and positive energy of others can be a powerful source of motivation.
- Celebrate Your Accomplishments – Acknowledge and celebrate your successes, even the smallest ones. Rewarding yourself for your efforts helps you stay motivated and boosts your self-esteem.
- Practice self-motivation daily – Find ways to stay motivated through tough times. You can read inspiring books, listen to motivational talks, visualize your goals, or remind yourself of the benefits of reaching your goals.
We hope this post has helped you better understand how motivation works. Be sure to read our post for more content on professional development and self-improvement!