Motivation Essay Sample
Motivation Essay Sample Introduction
Essentially, motivation refers to soothing that energizes, directs and sustains human behavior. We often infer to the presence of motivation whenever we see individuals work towards certain goals or objectives. Motivation is an integral aspect of everything we do in life and all forms of human behavior tend to arise from internal or external stimulation. Subsequently, motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is when the desire and control comes from within while extrinsic is when the desire and control is external to an individual. While exploring the characteristic of motivation, it is very clear that individuals are either intrinsically or extrinsically motivated (Baker, 2)
Types of Motivation
As aforementioned motivation is something that energizes, directs and sustains a particular form off behavior in an individual. Motivated behavior is usually goal oriented and the goal may be related to a specific drive such as hunger or thirsts. Ideally, motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic.
Intrinsic motivation is the doing of an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequence. In addition, intrinsic motivation refers to the motivation that emanated from inside a person rather than being initiated by an external stimulus or reward such as gifts or money. Whenever an individual is intrinsically motivated, he/she is moved to act for fun and pleasure rather than because of external pressures, forces or rewards. Moreover, intrinsically motivated individual have a need for achievement, they aspire to be competent, and self determined, without any perceived external motivator (Baker, 2)
For example, an intrinsically motivated individual would work on a solution to a math problem because the mere challenge of finding the solution provides him/her with a sense of pleasure and achievement. However, it should be noted that intrinsic motivation does not prevent an individual from seeking rewards but it means that such external rewards are not very necessary in keeping the individual motivated. Research suggests that intrinsic motivation leads to very high quality of work, confronting challenges and the pursuit of excellence (Deci & Ryan, 23).
On the other hand, extrinsic motivation is a construct that pertains whenever an activity is undertaken with the aim of attaining some separable outcome. It is the motivation that comes from outside an individual. Ideally, the motivational factors are external such as money, gifts. The rewards are responsible for providing the satisfaction that the task may not provide. In most instances an extrinsically motivated individual may work on an activity or task even if they have very little of no interest in it majorly because of the anticipated rewards. For example, a student who I extrinsically motivated student who dislikes mathematics may work very hard in solving problems because they expect to be rewarded once they completes the problems.
For the sake of a student, the reward will definitely be good grades in class (Harackiewicz & Sansone, 36). Extrinsically motivated individuals are so goal oriented that they always underscore their enjoyment and happiness. The achievement of their target is their only source of happiness and pleasure. In most instances, extrinsic motivation is subject to variation and change based on the perceived value of the reward. Hence, an extrinsically motivated individual is easily demotivated when the reward is withdrawn (Baker, 3) For example, if a laborer is denied incentives he/she may not work very hard.
Nevertheless, extrinsic motivation does not denote that an individual cannot derive nay form of pleasure or satisfaction from the activity being carried out. Simply put, extrinsic motivation entails doing an activity majorly for is instrumental value.
Which Type of Motivation is good for me?
I can confidently assert that intrinsic motivation is actually the best form of motivation. This is widely because intrinsic motivation encompasses inner and genuine inspiration towards performing a particular task or activity without having any expectation or pressure. Within this frame of mind, an individual can perform an activity because it is nice or because he/she thinks it is the right thing to do. That is, one is not concerned or preoccupied with the rewards that they may get from performing the task. For example, an individual who is preoccupied with dance exercises regularly for the pure pleasure of dancing. Through intrinsic I am able to do an activity for fun and enjoyment or because I believe it is the right thing to do. Moreover, with intrinsic motivation one feels more satisfaction and happiness as compared to individual with extrinsic motivation.
Conclusion
In sum, to be motivated simply means to be moved to perform a particular activity. Therefore, an individual who feels no inspiration to act is said to be unmotivated, whereas an individual who is activated and energized towards undertaking a specific activity is said to be motivated. Motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation entails doing an activity because it is inherently enjoyable and interesting while extrinsic motivation refers to doing something because it leads to a separable outcome.
