Motivation is the desire to fulfill specific tasks and reach personal goals. Whether it’s losing 10 pounds by summer or starting your own business, there is a certain level of energy required to make the magic happen. The dictionary defines motivation as, “The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.”
Parents often attribute their decisions to thinking about their children’s future. Individuals who suffer from obesity use their health as a motivating force to eat nutritious foods and remain active. Behind every decision is an important system of reasoning that motivates someone to act. How does motivation affect the decision making process? That’s what I’ve attempted to answer in this article. I trust you will find it timely and useful.
Theorist Abraham Maslow specialized in connection the bridge between human needs and motivation. Through his famous Hierarchy of Needs, he theorized that motivation occurs when we strive to achieve physiological, safety, social, esteem and needs related to self-actualization. For example, physiological needs correspond with basic survival.
We need sleep and food in order to function properly. We are motivated daily to consume food because we know that we need it. We go to work to make money to ensure that we can buy food. In essence, motivation rules our actions.
Maslow agreed that we all have an individualized set of needs that comply with our way of living. For example, one person may esteem to be a professional tennis player where others pursue creating a family. Motivation plays a major role in what we decide to pursue and how much effort we put into it.
When considering our daily decisions, we make adequate choices that align with our end goal. If our mission is to lose 10 pounds, we’ll make healthy food choices and exercise. Our motivation is fueled by our need to fulfill a personal goal.
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. —– Confucius
How to Remain Motivated
Much like developing a consistent habit, motivation isn’t an innate quality. We have to put forth the appropriate amount of effort in order to remain motivated. How does this work? To begin, it’s important to analyze your short and long-term goals.
Ask yourself, what do I want to change about my life? How can I go about implementing this change? What are the intermediate goals that I can meet along the way?
It is helpful to make a written list of these goals and keep them visible. Making your goals specific gives your mind clear direction and mental clarity. You know exactly what you need to do and when to do it.
For example, as opposed to saying, “I want to eat right and lose weight,” repeat, “I want to release five pounds by working out three times a week and following a Paleo diet.” That statement clearly identifies the goal and how to attain it.
Hold Yourself Accountable
During those times when your motivation is low, it’s essential to hold yourself accountable. Creating personal deadlines is essential to keeping your motivation strong. Setting alarms on your phone and enabling notifications will keep you on track. Reward yourself when you reach those small goals to keep yourself motivated. This will make the journey fun and worthwhile.
Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. —– George Addair
Remain Constantly Inspired
Learning from the stories and accomplishments of others is a great way to keep you motivated and on track. When you hear how others were able to reach their goals, it normalizes the journey. You’ll pick up on tips and tricks that you can implement into your daily life. In addition, surround yourself with photos that relate to your goal. Inspiring quotes are great reminders that will help you to stay motivated.
Motivation is the driving force behind decision making. Without properly identifying your goals and reasoning behind reaching them, your motivation will be stagnant. Inspire yourself to remain motivated in order to reach your goals.
