Inspiration to motivation

On a daily basis, what is it that gets you going? What is it that keeps you going? Ever wonder why some people seem to be very successful, highly motivated individuals? Where does the energy, the drive, or the direction come from? Motivation is an area of psychology that has got a great deal of attention, especially in the recent years. The reason is because we all want to be successful, we all want direction and drive, and we all want to be seen as motivated.{{more}}

There are several theories of motivation. I would, however, make reference to the humanistic theory of motivation, which perhaps is the most well known theory of motivation. According to this theory, humans are driven to achieve their maximum potential and will always do so, unless obstacles are placed in their way. These obstacles include hunger, thirst, financial problems, safety issues, or anything else that takes our focus away from maximum psychological growth.

The best way to describe this theory is to utilize the famous pyramid developed by Abraham Maslow (1970) called the Hierarchy of Needs.

Maslow believed that humans have specific needs that must be met and that if lower level needs go unmet, we cannot possibly strive for higher level needs. The Hierarchy of Needs shows that at the lower level, we must focus on basic issues such as food, sleep, and safety. Without food, without sleep, how could we possible focus on the higher level needs such as respect, education, and recognition?

So, sometimes we notice children at school appearing to be unmotivated to do their work; they may be constantly lying on the desk or appear ‘spaced out’; inquire whether or not this child has had breakfast, or even a good night’s rest and the response to these quesitons may explain a lot about the child’s interest and motivation to learn.

Let it be noted that this is also true for adults. We are to pay keen attention to those around us. Find out, in a genuinely caring and non-judgmental manner, about what is going in their lives. Wherever possible, attend to lower level needs first before harbouring great expectations of motivation to achieve higher level goals.

Throughout our lives, we work towards achieving the top of the pyramid, self actualization, or the realization of all of our potential. As we move up the pyramid, however, things get in the way which slow us down and often knock us backward. Imagine working towards the respect and recognition of your colleagues and suddenly finding yourself out of work, and homeless. Suddenly, you are forced backward and can no longer focus your attention on your work, due to the need for finding food and shelter for you and your family.

According to Maslow, nobody has ever reached the peak of his pyramid. We all may strive for it and some may even get close, but no one has achieved full self actualization. Self actualization means a complete understanding of: who you are; a sense of completeness, of being the best person you could possibly be. To have achieved this goal is to stop living, for what is there to strive for if you have learned everything about yourself, if you have experienced all that you can, and if there is no way left for you to grow emotionally, intellectually, or spiritually.

(To be continued next week)

Prepared by Dr Jozelle Miller

Health Psychologist