Introduction
People always engage in various activities throughout their lives. The main reason as to why human beings do various things is because they have a purpose that drives them every time. According to experts, motivation refers to a psychological feature that arouses someone to act towards a desired goal. It gives someone a reason and energy to take action. Motivation gives purpose and direction to behavior (Beck 30).
Studies have established that motivation plays a crucial role in the ability of human beings to set and achieve their goals. For example, people have the ability to determine their level of motivation by identifying various needs, understanding the requirements for meeting them, and using numerous abilities to achieve satisfaction. Basically, the concept of motivation involves the elements of needs, behavior, and satisfaction (Beck 45).
People have needs to meet and rely on their abilities to achieve satisfaction. There are two types of motivation, namely intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation refers to a reason for action derived from within an individual’s fundamental nature (Beck 52). On the other hand, extrinsic motivation refers to an incentive that gives purpose and direction to behavior influenced by external forces (Beck 52).
Theories of motivation
According to experts, there are numerous theories of motivation. The various theorists who explain this concept use certain beliefs that explain factors that influence human behavior. Some of the common hypotheses used to explain motivation include the drive or needs theory and arousal theory. According to the drive theory of motivation, human beings have needs that must be met in order to have the required level motivation (Beck 100).
There are five levels of human needs, namely psychological, safety, social, admiration, and self-actualization (Beck 100). According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it is important to meet the lowest ranked needs in the hierarchy before those in the higher level are triggered (Beck 104). The higher someone goes in the hierarchy, the more motivation one gets. According to experts, people get the drive to push for their goals in life whenever they have enough motivation and belief to do it.
According to the arousal theory of motivation people are driven into doing certain things in life in order to maintain a state of heightened physiological activity (Beck 123). Experts argue that people often feel bored when their levels of arousal are low. In such situations, people often look out for ways of elevating their arousal levels using various stimulating activities. A good example is people who go to night clubs or engage in sporting activities because it helps to keep their arousal levels high.
However, in some instances the arousal level can be very high and unpleasant. In such cases, people often look out for more relaxed environments or activities that can help them lower the stimulation (Beck 129). A good example is sleeping, going for a walk, or watching a romantic movie. It is important to understand that optimal states of heightened physiological activity vary from one person to another, depending on one’s needs (Beck 140).
Conclusion
Motivation plays a crucial role in the ability of living organisms to set and achieve their goals. There are two types of motivation, namely intrinsic and extrinsic. People get the drive to push for their goals in life whenever they have enough motivation and belief to do it. However, it is important to note that people require different levels of motivation to achieve satisfaction depending on their needs.
Works Cited
Beck, Robert. Motivation: Theories and Principles. New York: Pearson Hall, 2004. Print.