by Zoe Shields
We often hear the term motivation with phrases like "get up" or "don't lose your motivation!" Those sound familiar, right? Expressions like these may make us wonder if we ourselves are motivated enough. Sometimes, we might even label ourselves as being depressed if we are not in this constant upbeat mode so often depicted across a variety of social media. We may have created an imaginary idea of the motivated person who is in love with life, who wakes up in the morning with a huge smile, gets out of bed and shouts, "I am going to seize the day!" But is this what motivation really looks like?
Actually, no. Not for the most part anyway.
Being in a constant happy mode and feeling upbeat is not motivation. Frankly, that alone won't get you far. Relying on emotions (like feeling upbeat) and using these emotions as fuel to reach your goals are not realistic. It won't last because emotions flow; they change. Life happens; emotions follow. If you rely on your emotions in order to reach your goal, then chances are you won't reach it.
So what does it take?
Motivation is not about feeling; it's about deciding or, perhaps, staying persistent. An individual who is motivated is persistent with his/her goals. When you are persistent with your goals, you are not driven by emotions but rather by a decision. If you're driven by emotions you will fantasize over your goal. If you are persistent, you will literally break it down into practical steps and complete them in order to accomplish it.
The American Psychological Association defines motivation as "the impetus that gives purpose or direction to behavior and operates in humans at a conscious or unconscious level" (APA, 2022).
Therefore, motivation is about having a purpose which is rooted deeply enough that it will result in giving your behavior a significant direction--whether your emotions follow or not. Emotions can easily be altered and manipulated. A decision, however, is not bound by these parameters.
On point!