Understanding Motivation

Definition of Motivation

• Defined as a drive or force to initiate and maintain certain behaviors.
• Functions as the energy that propels action.

Types of Motivation

Intrinsic Motivation

• Involves feeling the activity as an end in itself.
• Example: Playing video games, engaging in hobbies that are meaningful, interesting, or satisfying.

Extrinsic Motivation

• Performing tasks as a means to achieve a goal.
• Example: Visiting the dentist for healthy teeth, completing tasks for rewards like praise, power, or money.
• Rewards often come later, such as bonuses, winning a competition.

Effectiveness of Types of Motivation

• Intrinsic Motivation:
  • Long-term participation in tasks.
  • Satisfaction in the process predicts endurance (e.g., enjoying time at the gym).
• Extrinsic Motivation:
  • Often temporary.
  • Research from 2017 suggests that individuals focused on outcomes tend to be less consistent.

Combining Motivation

• Actions are rarely entirely intrinsic or extrinsic.
• Example: Studying can be driven by an interest in the subject and the desire to get good grades.

Overjustification Effect

• Occurs when both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation exist but generally reduces motivation.
• Example: Military cadets driven by both factors perform worse.

Usefulness of Extrinsic Rewards

• Useful when intrinsic motivation is absent.
• Example: Making homework less burdensome with extrinsic rewards.

Methods to Build Motivation

• Focus on enhancing intrinsic motivation:
  • Make tasks more enjoyable (e.g., bringing a friend, listening to music).

Self-Talk

• Positive self-talk can enhance motivation.
• Resources are available to improve self-talk and further motivation.

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For more information and resources to build motivation, visit ed.ted.com or search for materials related to strengthening motivation through self-talk and other methods.