Motivation Explained

Theories provide explanatory basis for all kinds of phenomena; be it social, biological, psychological, or natural. In the field of psychology, several theories have been developed by notable scholars to explain the concept of motivation. Basically, this concept preoccupies itself with how humans act or behave in a particular way and why they do; that is, what inspires or stirs up a certain kind of behavioural output in humans. One of such theory that attempts to provide justifications for why human beings act in specified ways is the Abraham Maslow’s theory of motivation.

A mystery

Wonder why monks or nuns are disinterested in what’s happening in the real world – the entertainments and razzmatazz? Why they linger in solitude and enjoy the peace it offers? Why they are content with having no material possessions such as houses or cars? Or why they don’t delight in attaining positions and yet, are satisfied? The answer isn’t unlikely; it’s simply because they are given to a life of non-attachment.

No man is an island!

Building relationships especially with persons of similar age range is inevitable in life. In fact, it is an important aspect of social conditioning that reflects that as humans, we are bound by some mysterious arrangements to befriend individuals who share similar interests and like-passion with us. These are our peers, our friends.

The word ‘praise’ also interchangeably used with the word ‘reward’ is a type of social engagement often practised to indicate encouragement, approval, and appreciation. It is demonstrated by verbal communication, for example through motivational phrases of speech, as well as by non-verbal communication such as a pat on the back, or a gold star for children. When it comes to children, the impacts of rewarding them for their actions can significantly enhance positive behaviours amongst them.

A Unique Configuration

As humans we have been uniquely configured to exhibit behavioural patterns which reflect how we feel. The expression we give to life and how we see it is often determined by these feelings – that is, those happy moments when we feel ecstatic or those sad times when we feel as if our world is crumbling.

Are you bored?

Have you been sitting at a corner all day, staring at the ceiling, wishing there is more colors and vibes you could add to your life having explored all available options and adventure? Alternatively, you are trapped or withdrawn; wondering if that is also one of the inevitable conditions in life, which just happen to be happening to you now? Whatever your situation is, one thing is clear and certain; it is the fact that you are bored!

Moments pass and are soon forgotten, so what’s the point of them if you’re not going to live in the moment? What it means is being focused on the present and being there, completely in the moment. What’s happening now is all there really is. Forget about yesterday and tomorrow. Be present in the now.

Moments pass, and they can feel like grains of sand slipping through your fingers. You can try to hold on to them, but you’ll eventually end up standing on the beach and looking at the sand without being able to see every single grain of sand that you held in your hands… What I’m trying to say is that time passes and moments get forgotten or stay in the past behind us. It seems like we learn the importance of cherishing every moment only when something bad happens. Does it really take a tragedy for us to realize that our lives are made of moments?