Introduction
Motivation plays an important role in our day-to-day life and various phases of activities, as our success and achievement in life depend on motivation. The drive reduction theory posits that the human body always maintains a state of equilibrium or homeostasis. According to George et al. (2023), when people are in disequilibrium, they create a need that activates a drive within each of us. As explained by William James, the instinct theory plays a profound role in guiding human behavior. Within a person’s very essence, an instinctual urge to learn is hardwired (George et al., 2023). As old as humanity, instinct has driven people to adapt, survive, and thrive through the ages.
Main Body
In pursuing education, the desire to excel academically and achieve success can be a powerful motivator. The satisfaction derived from accomplishing goals and receiving recognition fuels the drive to continue learning and improving as people compete with one another. According to Borah (2021), the anticipation of better opportunities, career advancement, and financial rewards that come with a good education is a motivating factor, as education provides a platform for personal development and self-improvement, fostering a sense of fulfillment and well-being.
The aspiration to contribute positively to society by acquiring knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges can be a powerful driver. The quest for answers and understanding is an intrinsic motivation as our curiosity to understand the world and discover more knowledge drives people to various educational pursuits (Borah, 2021). A desire for social acceptance and recognition from peers, family, and mentors can motivate individuals to excel in their educational endeavors.
Values and Purpose
Values and purpose play a profound role in motivation in psychology, shaping the reasons behind an individual’s actions and driving their behavior towards certain goals. Values represent our core beliefs and principles, the guiding compass that shapes our decisions and actions. When our goals align with our values, we feel a feeling of genuineness and harmony. A strong sense of purpose is a potent source of intrinsic motivation (Schunk & DiBenedetto, 2020). People persevere through various challenges if they have a worthwhile purpose. According to Schunk and DiBenedetto (2020), purpose-driven individuals feel a deeper connection to their goals as they understand the impact and significance of their actions on themselves and others.
Values and purpose inform the setting of personal goals. When someone’s aspirations align with their values and a sense of purpose, the motivation to achieve those goals becomes a person’s mission (George et al.,2023). The alignment creates a sense of motivation and well-being and influences our choices and behaviors (Schunk & DiBenedetto, 2020). These choices become motivating as they reinforce a sense of identity and integrity. Values and purpose provide a foundation for sustained motivation. Unlike short-term incentives, intrinsic motivation derived from living out one’s values and purpose tends to persist, even when external rewards are absent.
Conclusion
In summary, values and purpose intertwine to shape the essence of motivation in psychology. By recognizing and nurturing these core elements, individuals can tap into a wellspring of intrinsic motivation that fuels their pursuit of goals, enhances well-being, and fosters a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. Understanding what motivates one early on is important in pursuing education and how values and purpose inform motivation is essential, as it empowers people to craft environments and personal narratives that inspire meaningful and lasting achievements.
References
Borah, M. (2021). Motivation in learning. Journal of critical reviews, 8(2), 550–552.
George, S., Piferi, R., & Kelly, B. (2023). Introduction to psychology from a Christian worldview: A customized version of psychology in a complex world by Jennifer Bonds-Raacke Designed Specifically for Liberty University. (2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt.
Schunk, D. H., & DiBenedetto, M. K. (2020). Motivation and social cognitive theory. Contemporary educational psychology, 60(1). Web.