Motivation Seminar

Definitions:

Motivation is psychological concept that refers to the internal or external factors that initiate, direct, and sustain an individual’s behaviour or actions to achieve a particular goal or outcome.

Motivation can vary in intensity and may be influenced by a wide range of factors, including personal goals, needs, desires, rewards, consequences and social or environmental factors.

Motivation is often necessary to sustain effort over time. It helps individuals stay committed to a task or goal, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. It is the driving force that underlies why people do what they do and why they make certain choices.

Motivation is a fundamental aspect of human behaviour and plays a central role in personal development, education, work and goal attainment.

The key aspects of motivation include:

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Understanding motivation is critical for educators, psychologists, managers to harness and encourage positive behaviours, boost performance, helping people reach their potential. As well as individuals seeking to achieve personal or professional goals.

Problem-solving, the desire to become the most that one can be. So, it's a matter of that if you can identify what your driving forces are, then you can do things which help reduce that potential or look at some naturalization of what will give you pleasure or satisfaction.

 

Science of motivation

Its the brain that mediates reward behaviour, so when the dopamine line reaches the nucleus, it solicits feedback on whether a good thing or a bad thing is about to happen, you get a rush for something.

 

Lists of things that you might have; self-improvement, mental health, enjoyment, satisfaction, fulfilment, praise, respect, knowledge, development, to help others opportunity, confidence, inviolability, money, status, etc.

  

Intrinsic motivation: refers to the internal drive, personal satisfaction or inherent enjoyment that leads an individual to engage in a specific activity, task or behaviour. People who are intrinsically motivated are motivated by internal factors, such as a genuine interest in the activity itself, a sense of accomplishment, personal fulfilment, curiosity or the inherent pleasure they derive from the task. Intrinsic motivation is not dependant on external rewards, such as money or praise, but rather stems from the inherent value and enjoyment of the activity.

Key characteristics are:

Autonomy - Individuals feel a sense of autonomy and self-determination in their choice and actions. They engage in activities because they want to, not because they have to.

Mastery - Intrinsic motivation is often linked to the desire to improve and master a skill. The challenge and the opportunity to learn and grow are motivating factors.

Interest - a genuine interest and curiosity in the activity itself drive intrinsic motivation. People are drawn to activities that they find personally engaging and enjoyable.

Psychological reward - the primary reward for intrinsically motivated individuals is the psychological satisfaction and joy derived from the activity. This internal satisfaction serves as its own form of reinforcement.

Long term engagement - Intrinsic motivations often leads to sustained, long-term engagement in an activity because the motivation comes from within, making it less likely to wane over time.

In contrast to intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation relies on external factors, such as rewards, punishments, or social recognition, to encourage and guide behaviour. Intrinsic motivation is often considered more sustainable and conducive to personal growth and wellbeing, as individuals pursue activities for the inherent values they find in them, rather than solely for external incentives.

Extrinsic motivation: is a type of motivation that comes from external sources or factors rather than from an individual’s internal desires or personal enjoyment of an activity. It occurs when people engage in a particular behaviour or task to achieve a specific external reward or to avoid a punishment.

Extrinsic motivation is typically driven by external incentives, tangible rewards, social pressures, or the need to meet external expectation. Common examples of extrinsic motivators include money, praise, awards, grades, or the fear of consequences.

Key characteristics of extrinsic motivation include:

Rewards and punishments – extrinsic motivation is often associated with the prospect of receiving rewards (such as bonuses, prizes or recognition) or avoiding punishments (like fines or negative feedback).

External control – Individuals may feel that they are engaging in an activity because they have to, rather than because they want to. External factors are guiding their behaviour.

Short term focus – Extrinsic motivation tends to be more effective for short term tasks or goals. Once the external reward is removed or no longer attractive, motivation to continue the behaviour may decrease.

Compliance – People may engage in an activity primarily to meet external requirements or meet the expectations of others, rather than pursuing it for personal enjoyment or fulfilment.

Extrinsic motivations can be a useful tool for encouraging certain behaviours, especially in situations where specific outcomes or compliance are required.

However, it is generally considered less effective in promoting long term commitment, creativity and intrinsic satisfaction with an activity compared to intrinsic motivation, where motivation comes from personal interest and internal satisfaction.

For Money, or a car, a reward for doing the job. Joy is not the motivation. A bonus at work, many people work for the money but don’t like the job they do. For family, status, success.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:

 

Although there are many theories of motivation, one prominent theory is Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. This theory has been influential in psychology as it provides a framework for understanding human motivation and behaviour. It is a psychological theory developed by Abraham Maslow in the mid-20th century. It is often depicted as a pyramid with five levels, each level represents a different category of human needs, arranged in a pyramid, from the base to the apex.

 

At the Base - Physiological Needs - At the base of the pyramid are the most basic physiological needs, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep. These are the fundamental requirements for human survival.

 

Safety Needs - Next are safety needs, which is the need for personal security, safety from danger, and a stable environment. This can include physical safety as well as financial and emotional security.

 

Love and Belongingness Needs - The next level involves social needs, which include the need for love, belongingness, and social interaction. This can encompass friendships, family and romantic relationships.

 

Esteem Needs -

Next are esteem needs, which can be divided into two categories: self-esteem (e.g., self-respect, confidence) and the esteem of others (e.g., recognition, respect from others). Fulfilling these needs involves gaining a sense of accomplishment and recognition.

 

At the top or Apex- Self-Actualisation - At the top of the pyramid is self-actualisation, representing the desire for personal growth, self-fulfilment, and the realisation of one’s potential. It involves pursuing personal passions and becoming the best version of oneself.

According to Maslow, individuals usually progress through these levels in a particular sequence. People focus on satisfying lower-level needs before moving on to higher level needs, however, not everyone follows this exact sequence.

How does culture motivate people?

Culture, including films, TV shows, books, dance, and music can be a powerful source of motivation for people in many ways.

Inspiration - Many cultural works depict stories of triumph over adversity, achieving dreams, or overcoming obstacles. These narratives can inspire people to pursue their own goals and dreams, showing them that success is possible even in the face of challenges.

Identification - Characters and stories in cultural works often resonate with audiences on a personal level. People may see themselves reflected in the struggles, triumphs, and journeys of fictional characters, leading to a sense of connection and motivation to emulate their positive traits or overcome similar challenges.

Escapism - Culture provides an escape from the stresses and routine of everyday life. Engaging with books, films, or music allows people to temporarily immerse themselves in different worlds, experiences, and emotions, providing a mental break and rejuvenating their spirits.

Reflection - Cultural works often explore deep themes and issues, prompting audiences to reflect on their own lives, values, and beliefs. This introspection can motivate people to make positive changes, pursue personal growth, or take action on issues important to them.

Community and belonging - Shared cultural experiences can foster a sense of belonging and community among individuals who share similar interests or identities. Whether through discussing favourite TV shows with friends, attending concerts, or joining book clubs, these connections can provide support, encouragement, and motivation.

Creativity and self-expression - Exposure to diverse cultural expressions can ignite creativity and encourage self-expression. Witnessing the work of talented artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers can inspire individuals to pursue their own creative passions and endeavours.

Emotional resonance - Music, in particular, has a profound ability to evoke emotions and memories. Certain songs or pieces of music can uplift, energize, comfort, or motivate individuals, serving as a soundtrack to their lives and experiences.

How do motivational speakers motivate people?

Motivational speakers employ various techniques to inspire and motivate people. Here are some common strategies they use:

Storytelling - They share personal anecdotes or stories of others' successes, struggles, and triumphs to connect with the audience emotionally and demonstrate that overcoming challenges is possible.

Positive reinforcement - Motivational speakers often emphasize positive thinking, self-belief, and confidence-building. They encourage audiences to focus on their strengths and potential rather than their limitations.

Setting goals - They help individuals clarify their goals, dreams, and aspirations, and provide strategies for achieving them. Breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks can make them seem more achievable.

Providing practical advice - Motivational speakers offer practical tips, techniques, and tools that individuals can implement in their daily lives to improve productivity, overcome obstacles, and foster personal growth.

Creating energy and enthusiasm - They use dynamic speaking techniques, such as humor, passion, and enthusiasm, to energize the audience and create a positive atmosphere conducive to motivation and inspiration.

Challenging comfort zones - Motivational speakers often encourage individuals to step out of their comfort zones and embrace change, risk-taking, and new opportunities for growth.

Building resilience - They teach strategies for overcoming setbacks, failures, and adversity, emphasizing the importance of resilience, perseverance, and learning from mistakes.

Offering encouragement and support - Motivational speakers provide encouragement, validation, and support to individuals, reminding them that they are capable of achieving their goals and that they are not alone on their journey.

Motivational speakers aim to ignite passion, drive, and determination within individuals, empowering them to take action and pursue their dreams with confidence and enthusiasm.

Here are some well-known motivational speakers who have inspired audiences worldwide:

Tony Robbins - A pioneer in the field of personal development, Tony Robbins is known for his dynamic speaking style and powerful techniques for achieving success and fulfillment.

Les Brown - With his passionate and energetic delivery, Les Brown shares messages of empowerment, resilience, and overcoming obstacles to reach one's full potential.

Zig Ziglar - Zig Ziglar's timeless wisdom and motivational insights have made him a legend in the field. He emphasizes the importance of attitude, goal setting, and personal responsibility.

Eric Thomas - Known as the "Hip Hop Preacher," Eric Thomas delivers motivational speeches infused with raw energy and real-life experiences, inspiring audiences to embrace their inner greatness.

Mel Robbins - Author of "The 5 Second Rule," Mel Robbins encourages individuals to take action and conquer self-doubt through practical strategies and mindset shifts.

Simon Sinek - Renowned for his TED Talks and best-selling books like "Start with Why," Simon Sinek inspires leaders and organizations to find their purpose and drive success through meaningful connections.

Brene Brown - While primarily known for her work on vulnerability and shame, Brene Brown's talks also inspire individuals to embrace courage, authenticity, and wholehearted living.

Nick Vujicic - Born without limbs, Nick Vujicic shares his story of triumph over adversity to motivate others to overcome their own challenges and live a life of purpose and joy.

Lisa Nichols - A bestselling author and motivational speaker, Lisa Nichols empowers audiences to break through limiting beliefs, embrace abundance, and create the life they desire.

Gary Vaynerchuk - Known for his no-nonsense approach and entrepreneurial insights, Gary Vaynerchuk motivates individuals to hustle, embrace innovation, and pursue their passions.

These speakers come from diverse backgrounds and offer unique perspectives, but they all share a common goal: to inspire, uplift, and empower individuals to live their best lives.

Personal Response:

What motivates me as a student? Well, it's a mix of things, really. First and foremost, there's the drive to learn and grow. I'm naturally curious, always eager to delve into new topics and expand my understanding of the world. The pursuit of knowledge is a constant source of motivation for me.

Then there's the desire to achieve my goals and fulfil my potential. I have dreams and aspirations, and I know that hard work and dedication are the keys to turning them into reality. Whether it's mastering a new skill, or pursuing a passion project, I'm driven by the sense of accomplishment that comes from pushing myself to succeed.

But motivation isn't just about personal ambition; it's also about making a difference. I'm inspired by the idea that my actions and contributions can have a positive impact on the world around me. Whether it's volunteering in my community, advocating for social justice, or pursuing a career that aligns with my values, I want to leave a meaningful mark on the world and help make it a better place for future generations.

Of course, motivation isn't always easy to come by. There are days when I feel tired, discouraged, or overwhelmed by the challenges ahead. But even in those moments, I remind myself of why I started this journey in the first place. I draw strength from my passion, my purpose, and the support of those who believe in me.

My response to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory?

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is pretty spot-on in my opinion. It's like a roadmap for understanding what drives us as humans. Starting from the basics like food and shelter, then moving up to stuff like love and belonging, and finally, reaching for self-actualization. It's interesting to think about how our motivations change depending on where we are on that pyramid. It does makes you wonder, are we really ever done climbing the pyramid?