Motivation is one of the most powerful forces driving our daily actions. According to recent neuroscientific findings, it originates in a specific area of our brain, functioning as a kind of hub that receives input from various systems, including the limbic and cognitive systems. Essentially, motivation is closely connected to our desire to live and to keep going. It represents the energy resource that enables us to move along the continuum between tenacity and willpower on one end, and apathy and lack of energy on the other. Imagining motivation as an energy source is useful because it reminds us that it is a limited resource: like a living being that requires nourishment, we too must be mindful of how important it is to constantly fuel our energy to remain motivated. Motivation is a dynamic reality that experiences ups and downs: learning to manage these fluctuations is essential to keeping our inner drive “alive”.
Returning to the “Why”
A crucial aspect of sustaining high motivation is learning to manage moments of crisis. When we feel down or lacking motivation, it is important to pause and listen to ourselves. Asking, “What am I truly feeling at this moment? What do I really want to achieve?” Returning to the “why,” the original reason that led us to embark on a particular path, can help us regain passion and the desire to keep going, thereby reinvigorating our motivation. Another fundamental characteristic of motivation is that it evolves with us. What motivates us at the beginning of an activity or relationship may change over time. It is natural that, after months or years, our approach and priorities may shift. For this reason, it is useful to consider motivation as a constantly renewing process, an energy source that must be continuously regenerated.
(Photo – Robert Collins)
The Seasons of Motivation
Managing the so-called “seasons of motivation” involves using small “fuel stations.” Motivation is not a fixed entity but something that must be cultivated and replenished. Knowing how to manage these peaks and troughs helps us stay focused and resilient. One way to do this is to differentiate between satisfaction and motivation: while satisfaction often comes from a reward or a goal achieved, motivation is an intrinsic force that drives us to move forward even in the face of challenges. This is why it is important for each of us to recognize our personal “fuel stations” so we can access them when needed. A common mistake is to believe that the relief felt after completing a task is enough to keep us motivated. However, the true source of motivation goes beyond this momentary relief. It is important to reframe our approach: we should not just ask ourselves what brings us relief, but also what is making us grow and what “noble” goals we are pursuing.
Challenges and Strategies for Maintaining Motivation
Fueling motivation often means challenging ourselves in areas that feel uncomfortable. Engaging the body in physical activities, like taking a cold shower, or committing to mental exercises that we may dislike, can be an excellent way to reignite the flame of motivation. Changing our emotional and physical state is essential to awakening our inner energy. External elements like music, environment, and scents can also play a crucial role in creating a space that fosters motivation. Involving others in our challenges is another effective strategy. Publicly declaring our goals, working or studying alongside a group with common and shared objectives helps us stay motivated and accountable. Additionally, keeping a journal to record our thoughts, ideas, and feelings can be an excellent tool for clearing our mind and clarifying our goals, thereby feeding and nurturing our motivational source.
Goals and Motivation
Motivation and goals are indeed inseparably linked. When motivation is low, for example, it can be useful to focus on minimal or “tolerance” goals. This way, even in the most challenging times, we can continue to make progress without losing heart. Finally, it is important to strengthen the “muscle” of discipline: setting rules, developing habits that support our growth and learning helps us stay aligned with our intentions and provides structure to our motivation. Like any other skill, motivation can be trained and strengthened.
