Your Motivational Mix: What Keeps You Going?
We are driven to pursue our goals by a combination of motivators.
Updated January 1, 2024 | Reviewed by Monica Vilhauer Ph.D.
Do you ever wake up to face a seemingly endless list of things to get done, with no drive to do any of them?
Your problem may be an over-busy life that has you fatigued and overwhelmed. Or perhaps you are required to keep up with demands imposed by others which bring you little sense of reward.
Another explanation may be that you don’t understand fully what motivates you to move toward the goals and tasks before you. There is insufficient reinforcement for you to keep setting goals, applying energy to them, and persevering until you have accomplished them.
This can lead to a sense of futility and a depressed mood.
Motivation is an aspect of behavioral psychology that has been well-examined in the literature because of its importance to human functioning, productivity , creativity , and thriving.
Basic categories of motivation
Theories of motivation start with three broad categories; intrinsic, extrinsic, and transcendent.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within, bringing a sense of personal satisfaction.
Extrinsic motivation is external, exemplified by monetary reward or praise from others, or power over others.
Transcendent motivation involves contributing to a higher cause or purpose, for the betterment of others, or making the world a better place.
A literary illustration
A short fable by Ricardo Semler illustrates these distinctions:
Three stonecutters were asked about their jobs. The first said he was paid to cut stones. The second replied that he had developed skills to shape stones excellently and enjoyed using this skill. The third stone cutter just smiled and said: “I build cathedrals.”
The first, with extrinsic motivation, viewed stonecutting as merely a job that paid his bills. The second, with intrinsic motivation, found inner gratification in his achievements. The third expressed transcendent motivation, believing he was creating something of enduring beauty and majesty. They all showed up for work but with different motivations.
A few sub-categories of motivation
Combinations of motivators
Most people are motivated by a combination of factors, influenced by personality , temperament, upbringing, and education .
When we discussed the topic of motivation in my psychology classes, I cited myself as an example of a person with a mixed set of motivators.
Extrinsic motivators . I told my students that though my teaching salary was not high, I wouldn’t be teaching them if the college refused to pay me for my time and effort .
I also was concerned about gaining the respect and approval of my students and colleagues. And I wanted the teaching credential on my resume to enhance my career trajectory .
Intrinsic motivators. Then I told the students that even though I was paid for my position, I wouldn’t teach if I didn’t enjoy teaching. It gives me satisfaction to use the talents I’ve developed and share my life experience.
As I progressed in my role, it was important for me to continue learning, developing my competence and expertise, and achieving new goals . I enjoyed finding imaginative, creative ways to present the information to make the class more enjoyable for everyone, including me.
Transcendent motivators. Finally, I told them that I believe it is important to impart knowledge, wisdom , and encouragement to younger generations. I wanted them to learn things that would make their lives better , and I was proud to be part of a large system of professionals devoted to this purpose.
As my example illustrates, achievement, competence, skill-building, contributing, serving others, creativity, conscientiousness , personal growth--and yes, getting paid and recognized for our efforts—can all work synergistically to keep us motivated.
What is your motivational mix?
Here are some questions and suggestions to explore what motivates you:
There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. It is important to be honest in our self-appraisal to reinforce healthy patterns and reward ourselves appropriately.
Once you have identified your primary motivators, it is helpful to speak with a counselor or coach and go deeper in your understanding of the nuances of your motivational needs. This will allow you to create systems of reinforcement that are in line with what naturally keeps you going.
To find a therapist, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory .
Andreev, Ivan. (2023). Types of Motivation, accessed at https://www.valamis.com/hub/types-of-motivation .
Cherry, Kendra. (2023). Motivation: The Driving Force Behind Our Actions. Accessed at https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-motivation-2795378 ?
Goldman, Neil. (2021). Tapping into the three sources of motivation. Accessed at https://www.cuinsight.com/tapping-into-the-three-sources-of-motivation/…
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Ruth E. Stitt, M.S., M.Div., LPCS, has been a licensed professional counselor for 30 years. She is also a counselor educator and supervisor and has served as an adjunct professor of psychology and human development.
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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.