What Motivates You? Unlocking What Drives You & How to Stay Focused

8 mins read

Motivation is an essential psychological force that drives individuals to take action, pursue goals, and overcome challenges. Whether it's pursuing personal growth, professional success, or tackling day-to-day tasks, motivation is the fuel that powers progress. Understanding what motivates you is crucial not just for achieving success but also for maintaining a sense of fulfillment and passion along the way.

Motivation is dynamic—it evolves over time, influenced by external circumstances, personal values, and long-term goals. It’s important to recognize the different types of motivation, how they work, and how to harness them effectively. 

This article will explore the concept of motivation in-depth, provide examples of what motivates people, and offer insights into staying motivated for sustained success.

Definition of Motivation & Types of Motivation  

Motivation is the internal and external factors that drive a person to pursue and achieve their goals. It’s what pushes you to take action, stay focused, and keep going despite challenges.

Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations play important roles in human behavior, and a balanced mix of both often leads to the best results. Intrinsic motivation tends to foster long-term satisfaction, while extrinsic rewards can drive short-term productivity and achievement.

Broadly speaking, motivation can be categorized into two main types:

1. Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation is the drive to engage in an activity because it is inherently enjoyable or fulfilling. People who are intrinsically motivated do things because they find them interesting, challenging, or rewarding in themselves rather than for an external reward or pressure.

Examples of Intrinsic Motivation

• A person writing a novel because they enjoy the creative process.
• An artist who paints for the satisfaction of self-expression, not for recognition.
• A student studying a subject out of genuine curiosity, not just for grades.

2. Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation is basically driven by external rewards such as money, recognition, promotions, or approval. People motivated extrinsically engage in activities for the outcome, not the enjoyment of the process itself.

Examples of Extrinsic Motivation

• An employee working hard to receive a salary increase or promotion.
• A student striving for excellent grades to gain a scholarship or avoid parental disapproval.
• A salesperson pushing for high targets to earn commissions or bonuses.

What Motivates You?

The question "What motivates you?" is one that frequently arises in personal introspection, interviews, and goal-setting activities. By understanding your own motivators, you can not only perform better but also gain greater satisfaction from your efforts.

Identifying what motivates you involves reflecting on your personal experiences and recognizing what truly drives you to take action. Consider the moments when you feel most engaged, energetic, and excited to work toward a goal—what aspects of those situations do you find most fulfilling?

Here’s a sample answer to the common interview question: "What motivates you?"

"I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, both personally and professionally. I find purpose in solving problems and helping others, whether it's in a team environment or through direct customer interaction. 

I also thrive in settings where there’s room for growth and learning—when I’m constantly challenged and improving my skills. Knowing that my work contributes to a greater cause motivates me to give my best effort every day."

How to Stay Motivated: Tips for Keeping the Drive Alive

Staying motivated can be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can maintain focus and energy towards achieving your goals. Here are some effective tips to keep your motivation high:

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Be clear on what you want to accomplish and break it down into specific, measurable targets to stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Break Goals into Manageable Tasks: Large goals can be daunting, so divide them into smaller tasks. Completing these smaller steps will keep you motivated and make the process feel less intimidating.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating progress, even minor ones, will keep you energized and reinforce your commitment.
4. Maintain a Positive Mindset: Stay focused on the bigger picture. When motivation dips, remind yourself of the "why" behind your goals and the impact they’ll have.
5. Create a Routine: Establish a daily timetable that aligns with your goals. Consistency fosters discipline and reduces the chances of procrastination.
6. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Build a support system that encourages people to consume content that inspires you, whether it’s podcasts, books, or motivational quotes.
7. Track Your Progress: Keep track of your progress by keeping a journal or checklist. Seeing how far you’ve come will fuel your motivation to keep moving forward.
8. Embrace Setbacks as Learning Opportunities: Don’t let failures derail your motivation. Learn from setbacks and use them as stepping stones to refine your approach.
9. Stay Flexible: While consistency is key, be open to adapting your methods. Life may bring unexpected challenges, and flexibility helps you stay on track.
10. Stay Inspired: Regularly seek out sources of inspiration—whether through personal reflection, mentorship, or by learning from others who have achieved similar goals.

What Motivates You to Do a Good Job?

When asked, "What motivates you to do a good job?" you're being asked to reveal what drives your performance and influences your work ethic. Motivation to do well at work can come from various sources, including personal goals, professional aspirations, and external factors such as rewards or recognition.

Common Motivators that Drive A Person to Do a Good Job 

1. Sense of Achievement and Satisfaction

• A deep sense of pride and accomplishment from doing something well often motivates individuals to continue working hard. The internal satisfaction derived from completing a task to the best of your ability is a powerful intrinsic motivator. 
• For example, completing a complex project ahead of schedule and receiving positive feedback from your supervisor can fuel your motivation to continue performing at a high level.

2. Personal and Professional Growth

• Continuous learning and growth are key motivators for many people. Whether it's through new challenges, skill-building, or increased responsibility, the desire to evolve and improve motivates individuals to excel in their roles.
• For example, taking on a new responsibility at work or participating in professional development programs to enhance skills and knowledge can drive someone to give their best effort.

3. Recognition and Rewards

• External recognition, whether in the form of praise, bonuses, promotions, or public acknowledgment, can serve as a strong motivator. When people feel their efforts are recognized, they are more likely to maintain a high level of performance.
• For example, being named “Employee of the Month” or receiving a bonus for hitting sales targets can inspire continued hard work and high performance.

4. Making a Positive Impact

• Many people are motivated by the idea of making a positive difference. Knowing that their work is contributing to a larger purpose or helping others provides a strong sense of fulfillment.
• For example, a healthcare worker or nonprofit employee who sees the direct impact of their work on improving people's lives often feels a deep sense of motivation to continue their efforts.

5. Desire for Mastery

• The desire to become highly skilled or an expert in a particular area can be a strong motivating force. When people strive for mastery, they continually push themselves to improve their abilities and refine their craft. 
• For example, an athlete training to break their personal record or a software developer working to master a new coding language is motivated by the drive to achieve mastery in their field.

Conclusion

Motivation is a dynamic force that drives our actions and success. Whether it's the satisfaction of a job well done, personal growth, or external recognition, understanding what motivates you helps maintain focus in both personal and professional life. Motivation evolves, and finding new sources of inspiration keeps you energized. 

By aligning your core motivators with daily activities, you can create a balanced, rewarding life. Remember, motivation is a journey—regularly reassess and adjust to stay on track.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I find what motivates me?

Take time to reflect on past experiences. What activities have made you feel energized and fulfilled? Was it solving a problem, learning something new, or helping others? These moments often reveal your core motivators.

2. Can motivation change over time?

Absolutely. Motivation is dynamic and can evolve as you reach new milestones, face challenges, or experience life changes. Regular self-assessment can help you identify shifts in your motivational drivers.

3. How can I stay motivated when I don’t feel like working?

Break tasks into smaller steps and celebrate small wins. Focus on long-term benefits and remind yourself why you started. A short break or new inspiration can help reignite your motivation.

4. Is intrinsic or extrinsic motivation more important?

Both intrinsic motivation and extrinsic rewards are important. Intrinsic motivation offers lasting satisfaction, while extrinsic rewards provide short-term goals. The key is balancing both.

5. What is the best way to stay motivated at work?

Align your tasks with your long-term career goals and values. Look for opportunities for growth and development. Seek feedback and stay engaged with a supportive network of colleagues. Regularly reassess your goals and adapt them as necessary to maintain motivation.

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