if you can dream it, you can become it.”
–William Arthur Ward
Why do we dream? Envision a goal or pursue a challenge, when we could just lay back and take life as it comes? Why is something challenging more fulfilling than something easy? There's this feeling, that gives us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It all comes down to one word, motivation.
Motivation is literally wanting to do something. Whether it's graduating college, getting a promotion, or simply getting organized. It is the difference between accomplishment and lazing around the house all day. It's crucial in setting up your plans for the future. But some people seem to be motivated all the time in everything they do, whereas others aren't motivated to anything. Why is this? What causes motivation to come across so strongly in some people?
These questions are ones we all have. However, the answers are hard to find, many theories have been tested and researched, but still come back with too many variables. Factors that affect motivation have been identified though, the most important being genetics, background, upbringing and personality. These factors are what psychologists look into when studying motivation and its causes.
Motivation to do things is often based on our psychological needs. A psychological need is something we need or yearn for in order to function. Achievement, self-esteem and social approval are examples of psychological needs. But unlike biological needs, psychological needs are not always based on deprivation, but rather to reassure and stabilize what is already there. Sometimes, certain psychological needs are emphasized through life experiences and can cause problems if they're not addressed.
Our personality types have a lot to do with how we use motivation and how much we really need. We all have fixed behavior patterns also known as instincts. These instincts are a driving force in how we deal with situations and proceed afterward.
Though motivation is key for most of us to pursue dreams and ambitions, it comes in many forms. There are some who love a challenge, the more challenging the more determined and focused they become. But then there are those who flee as soon as their plans go awry. Those people need more assurance and often reassurance to be able to fully devote the necessary time to accomplish something.