Why are you lacking motivation?

Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut? You want to find motivation, because you feel like something is missing, but you’re unsure where to direct it. Having motivation is key in becoming successful and discovering your purpose, so here are some of the ways you can find yours.

Incentive theory

The incentive theory states that people are more likely to be motivated by rewards rather than enjoyment. It looks at both “extrinsic” motivation and “intrinsic” motivation. Extrinsic motivation would be the monetary reward, while the intrinsic motivation would be the enjoyment of the work. According to this theory, you will find the best motivation when you have a balance of the two. If you enjoy writing short stories and you are also getting paid for publishing them, then you will reach higher motivation than if you were doing a job you weren’t passionate about for higher money. Ultimately, it is important to have a balance of incentive and enjoyment in your life to be truly motivated.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

If you’ve ever studied psychology, or sociology, or even media studies, you might have heard of Maslow’s theory. It looks like a pyramid, with self-actualization at the very top. In order to reach self-actualization, which is fulfilling your potential, you need to achieve the other levels of the pyramid.

 

The first is physiological – you need food, water, clothing and shelter. Next is safety – not only physical safety, but financial safety and being healthy. After that is love and belonging – as humans, we thrive off social interaction. We need to be around friends, family, social groups and partners to be satisfied. The final level before you reach self-actualization is esteem – we need to be appreciated and respected, as well as have our own self-worth.

 

Maslow’s theory suggests that you cannot reach the top levels until you have worked on the ones below them. For example, if you aren’t in a secure job, then you won’t be motivated by the desire for meaningful relationships – your focus will be on getting into a place where you are secure.

 

So what does all this mean? In short, your lack of motivation may come from focusing on the wrong needs. If you aren’t fulfilling your basic needs, then your more specific needs will never be fulfilled. You can only aim for self-actualization when you have met all of your other needs.

 

These two theories, when used in harmony, can help you to become motivated. Focus your energy in the right places so that you can maintain your motivation.