Motivation

Explanations > Motivations

Internal systems | Content theories | Process theories | So what?

Internal systems

There are many systems and theories of motivation (for example see 'see also' below). But what if we look deeper? What are the internal structures that lead to us acting (as opposed, perhaps, to not acting). Here key systems:

Content theories

Content theories of motivation define it in terms of satisfaction of needs.

Process theories

Process theories of motivation define in terms of a rational cognitive process.

And here are more articles and other points of note about motivation.

So what?

So if you want to motivate people, understand the systems by which they are motivated! If you can get your head around the fundamental systems, you will not need to learn hundreds of outer-level methods.

It also, by the way, a very good idea to keep an eye on what is happening at this level, no matter what you are doing. For example, if you are presenting to a wider audience, are you playing to their needs and goals? can you see the emotion on their faces?

And of course watch them in yourself. If you believe, for example, that you are superior to other people, then you will end up acting this way. A little bit of authority helps, of course, but it is easy to over do this and come over as arrogant and uncaring, which is not the best way of persuading people.

See also

Cognitive Evolution Theory, Expectancy Theory, Extrinsic Motivation, Equity Theory, Goal-Setting Theory, Intrinsic Motivation, Evolution, Happiness as a motivator, Ways to Happiness, Embodied Persuasion

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