Motivation is an internal state that propels individuals to engage in goal-directed behavior. It is a complex phenomenon and its precise definition is disputed. Motivational states are characterized by their direction, intensity, and persistence. The direction of a motivational state is shaped by the goal it aims to achieve. Intensity is the strength of the state and affects whether the state is translated into action and how much effort is employed. Persistence refers to how long an individual is willing to engage in an activity.
Motivation is often divided into two phases: in the first phase, the individual sets themselves a goal while in the second phase, they strive to achieve that goal. Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It is the desire to act in service of a goal and is the crucial element in setting and attaining objectives.
Motivation is influenced by the satisfaction of needs that are either necessary for sustaining life or essential for wellbeing and growth. The psychological factors stimulating peoples behavior can be desire for money, success, recognition, job satisfaction, team work, etc. The process of motivation consists of three stages: a felt need or drive, a stimulus in which needs have to be aroused, and when needs are satisfied, the satisfaction or accomplishment of goals.
Motivation has as many faces as there are human desires. It is a psychological phenomenon which means needs and wants of the individuals have to be tackled by framing an incentive plan. Positive emotions and intrinsic motivation play a role in motivation. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation, and it is released when we experience pleasure or anticipate a reward.
