What is Motivation?
Motivation is so fundamentally important to the human condition and yet much of the books as well as what you’ll find on the net do not define it well.
Would you be surprised if I told you that most of what you have read about the nature of motivation is inaccurate and in some instances just plain wrong? Would you believe that the most popular definitions of motivation are “one sided” and are blind to the big picture. Can you understand why such errors in understanding can be the cause of a lot of peoples dissatisfaction and frustration in their lives?
Popular Definitions of Motivation
Commonly motivation has been defined as:
- “the psychological process that gives behavior purpose and direction” (Kreitner, 1995)
- “a predisposition to behave in a purposive manner to achieve specific, unmet needs” (Buford, Bedeian, & Lindner, 1995)
- “an internal drive to satisfy an unsatisfied need” (Higgins, 1994);
- “the will to achieve” (Bedeian, 1993)
- “the inner force that drives individuals to accomplish personal and organizational goals” (Bedeian, 1993)
Based upon the above definitions as well as all material written to expound on these definitions we would be lead to believe that all motivations stem from the existence of unsatisfied or unmet needs or to simply achieve our goals.
But how would you explain the motivation behind such things as going for a walk in the park, daydreaming or many other so called trivial activities that we engage in on a daily basis? For that matter, how would you describe the motivation behind the statement: “I just need to be me”? Use of the word “need” does not necessarily imply that there is indeed something unmet or unsatisfied.
This explains the overall difficulty that exists with trying to define what motivation truly is. Part of the reason is that it is not easy to language something that is abstract or intangible, and therein lies the problem.
The Best Definition of Motivation
The best definition of motivation we have found so far comes from the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer:
“Motivation distinguishes the sufficient reason of Becoming, of Knowledge, of Being and of Action.”
In other words, these effects “of Becoming”, “of Knowledge”, “of Being” and “of Action” are established by having adequate reasons determined by motivation.
We didn’t say it would be easy, but at least based upon that definition we can now begin to lay a foundation to work from and provide a truly accurate definition of motivation.
The Two Sides of Motivation
First off, not all motivations are created equal. It is their source, the place or domain from where they are generated that dictate their nature.
Your individuality is separated into two broad functions or domains. One side known as your “Synthetic Identity” is designed to interact with the physical, tangible world while the other, your “Authentic Identity” domain, is designed to engage the intangible, abstract world.
Together these two domains function synergistically to make up who you really are. They also determine the nature of your motivations.
Typically, motivations that are generated by your “Synthetic Identity” side relate to physical events and circumstances (of becoming, of knowledge, of action) for example:
- when you move to protect yourself or a loved one from physical harm (action)
- when you want or need to become knowledgeable about something (knowledge)
- when you want to improve yourself or break a bad habit (becoming).
Motivation generated by your “Authentic Identity” on the other hand are abstract in nature (of being) and spring forth from a single solitary need: To express your unique identity to the world.
In essence it is declaring: “I am, I exist, I am unique and I matter“. In fact, we spend most of our lives expressing various states of “Being” all driven and motivated by this Authentic side. (For more detailed information about the Authentic and Synthetic sides of the human identity see: Birth of the Real You)
Becoming aware and excepting this distinction of our two sides, allows you to shift your attention and focus to the appropriate side in order to initiate and establish real and sustained change in your life.
Click here if you are ready to bring about more peace, contentment and balance into your life.
Click here if you are ready to take back control and gain mastery over your life.
My friend told me about your site. I’m glad I took her advice and headed in your direction. After reading this, and other posts, I find myself very drawn to your information. I don’t feel on too many websites!
Beth,
Thank you for your comment.
Feel free to write me on any issue posted here.
We price ourselves in speaking as “real” as possible.
John
So which is better, to be motivated by the Authentic self, knowing you’re a success, or the synthetic, becoming successful?
Deborah,
The Authentic Self is the primary motivator establishing the direction of your life.
The Synthetic Self is the secondary motivator establishing how you will comply with that direction.
Without the Synthetic, your Authentic would never be realized and without the Authentic the motivating energy required by the Synthetic would not be absent.
This is a good question but the answer is more complex.
If you have any more, don’t hesitate to ask.
John