Well we could go on about Maslov's hierarchy of needs and all that but I think it boils down to something simpler that that. We are motivated to do things because they will (A) Bring pleasure (on some level) or (B) Avoid or lessen pain
( ... )
I'd say red_ronin9 is right--actually, pleasure for some is simply a cessation of pain, so they're basically one reason rather than two--but that's if you simplify to the extreme. Everyone is motivated by their desires and needs, and that's different for everyone.
For example, I'm often motivated to do things because I feel they need to be done and I can see that no one else is going to do them properly. That's why I have that damnable work ethic. Obviously my co-worker does not share this concern--she seems to be motivated by the desire to never be bothered.
If you can figure out your own motivations you're ahead of the game because you can maximize or minimize them as you choose. If you can figure out someone else's motivation you may be able to extert some control over them, manipulating them into acting the way you want them to act and thus aiding your own goals. Nice work if you can get it.
I agree that motivation is working to have desires met. I have more motivation and willpower when I am doing something that will make someone I care about happy, or when it will annoy someone I don't like. I think it is a little odd that my motivations are so tied to the reactions of others, but it seems to fit with my having grown up constantly worriedabout what others might think or find out about my family.
there are alot of things i want to do just for me, and those are the things I never get done, because I am not my own motivation. Am I right in thinking this isn't normal?
I don't know if "not normal" is the phrase I'd use - "not common" however, that suits nicely. I've noticed myself that I'm much more motivated to take care of a responsibility when it impacts someone else - even more so when that someone is a person I care about to some degree. So, you're not alone in that one.
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For example, I'm often motivated to do things because I feel they need to be done and I can see that no one else is going to do them properly. That's why I have that damnable work ethic. Obviously my co-worker does not share this concern--she seems to be motivated by the desire to never be bothered.
If you can figure out your own motivations you're ahead of the game because you can maximize or minimize them as you choose. If you can figure out someone else's motivation you may be able to extert some control over them, manipulating them into acting the way you want them to act and thus aiding your own goals. Nice work if you can get it.
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there are alot of things i want to do just for me, and those are the things I never get done, because I am not my own motivation. Am I right in thinking this isn't normal?
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Thanks for the replies, always nice to know that someone's paying attention.
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