9 Things That Motivate Us (+ why)
I’m not a motivation expert. But I have thought about the topic a lot. Well, not a lot a lot—but enough to put together this list.
The things that motivate me change a lot. Sometimes it’s an underdog persona, other times it’s my younger self (gotta make that dude proud).
But knowing the core drivers helps with controlling things better (and boosting consistency).
So let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
So, What Is Motivation?
Motivation is your inner drive that prompts you to take some action, pursue your personal projects and get stuff done.
That’s my take, at least.
In my experience, motivation is a collection of your:
Beliefs
Personal values
Goals
So what’s actually going on with motivation in our brains? I’m no expert, but research shows motivation is the result of dopamine signaling and release. It’s a reward system in our brains that happens in the amygdala. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter — it’s the happy hormone.
This dopamine release can come from many things, like your environment, a strong memory or your physiological state.
Knowing what inspires me most means I can better control and create my own motivation.
9 Things That Motivate Us (+ why)
1. Recognition / Approval
Group approval is a strong motivator for a lot of people. And this doesn’t just mean hearts and likes from social media.
It can be as simple as recognition from a single person, your coworkers or boss and your inner circle.
For example, getting a tip of the hat from a fellow musician (especially if they’re farther ahead of me) is awesome recognition-based motivation for me.
Here’s why recognition and approval boost motivation:
Makes us feel our work is valued and valid
It’s acceptance from the group
Social recognition is motivating
Approval is positive attention
Explore more:
➤ Don’t Fall for the Fallacy of Approval
2. Money (to an extent)
Naturally, money influences your actions and motivation. But, there’s a limit too.
One of my business management courses (at uni) talked about this. But essentially, once our basic needs are met, any extra pay only boosts your motivation and productivity by a little bit.
So money works for motivation, but only to a certain extent.
If you’re struggling financially, then money can absolutely be a motivator. But if you’re pretty stable, it may not be the strongest source of inspiration.
Why money influences motivation:
We need money to survive
Money solves a lot of stress
It’s one of the top goals and priorities for people
3. A Bigger Purpose
Do you have some higher purpose or mission? These are powerful motivators.
A bigger purpose pushes you through the slow, boring, difficult parts of something epic. It’s like your North Star and something that represents your core personal values.
Good stuff, good stuff, indeed!
So if you’re struggling with motivation, try creating some bigger, personally meaningful life projects. For me, I have this blog (and vlog), my music, my art and my other blogs.
Why purpose drives motivation:
Purpose creates meaning in life
People with purpose are healthier, less lonely and happier
Purpose makes doing hard things easier
Explore more:
➤ How to Define ‘Your Why’
4. Skill / Self Mastery
Learning a new skill is definitely motivating and exciting — especially early on. Plus, self-improvement is rewarding. It lessens imposter syndrome and brings you closer to reaching your goals.
The experience of getting legit better at something is super motivating. It becomes a loop of self-inspiration.
So, self mastery can be a powerful source of motivation, especially if you have skill-based goals.
Why self or skill mastery influences motivation:
Skill building pays off in dividends
Self mastery and skill development are self improvement
You get a strong sense of accomplishment
More skills make you more competitive
Explore more:
➤ Best Creative Skills to Learn
5. Competition / Conflict
Competition creates motivation. It can force you to perform better and more consistently (gamification, sports, etc.).
Maybe it’s the additional pressure, the extra eyes or simply the drive to prove you’re number one.
Whatever the case, a little competition or conflict creates a serious boost to motivation.
Why competition affects our motivation:
Conflict and competition gamifies our skill or expertise
Competition puts your skills to the test
Adversity and the underdog persona can prompt inner motivation to prove someone wrong
6. Survival
Survival is motivating. But it extends far past the extreme situations (like running from a bar). For example, figuring out how to order food or hail a cab while traveling overseas for the first time is a survival-based motivation.
You really have no choice but to figure it out, even if you really don’t want to.
When pushed into a corner, motivation and fight or flight seriously kick in.
Why survival creates motivation:
It’s instinctual
Staying safe and surviving is a high priority
There’s no choice but to do what you need to do
7. Injustice / the Pursuit of Justice
We tend to act when we see injustice. Despite all our differences in opinions, when push comes to shove, we look out for each other (well, most of us…).
So it makes sense that injustices foster motivation and action.
From nonprofits and donations to simple acts of kindness, we don’t always need a paycheck to do good sh*t. Altruism alone is motivation enough.
Why injustice influences our motivation:
Humans are empathetic and altruistic
Activism fosters a hero persona
There’s an evolutionary advantage for altruism
8. Our Environment
Our environment is our upbringing, our spaces, our inner circle and our life context. These things seriously impact motivation levels.
For example, if all of the people in your life are super ambitious, you’re more likely to be the same. Vice versa.
So chaining up your environment to be more inspiring and supportive is a solid strategy to boost your motivation.
Why our environment matters for motivation:
We become the average of the things and people in our lives
Our environment influences our behavior and personality
Over the long term, our environment may influence our personal characteristics more than habits and efforts
9. Visualization
Visualizing your future is fun. I’m a daydreamer by trade — and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.
Imagining your future is motivating. And then actually creating that dream life?! Pff, so good.
Visualization is a solid way to take more action and do more big things.
Why visualization works for motivation:
Visualization is life planning, which is fun
Visualization creates real emotions, prompting motivation
Visualization changes your perspectives and perceptions in life
Want More? Nice. Here’s More.
