Motivation is the internal state that propels individuals to engage in goal-directed behavior. It is often understood as a force that explains why people or animals initiate, continue, or terminate a certain behavior at a particular time.
In a training I attended, we were taught that there are 4 distinct levels of motivation which most people experience. The two basic levels are Internal and External, with each of these levels containing two sub-levels of awareness.
External levels of motivation are so-called because they are centered in external gratification, getting approval, acceptance or fitting in within a relationship or society.
- The first of these is Consequence - This is the level a child begins at. They do things because they are told, or because there is a perceived or real reward or consequence involved.
- The second of these is Social - One is motivated by what is expected. A person may do something because they need to, it has be accomplished or done, with or without a reward or consequence. This involves doing something just because it should be done in order to be accepted by society, someone in a relationship or an authority figure (parent, teacher, friends)
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- The third level is Agent - On this level people are motivated by a feeling of freedom in choosing. They are motivated to accomplish or act because they want to do it. Engaging in a new habit, setting a goal, reading or learning something new are all examples of this level of motivation. There is a personal satisfaction, irregardless of outside opinion or validation.
- The fourth level is Charity - On this level a person is motivated by love. they do things because they love to do it. They choose to do things which will make a difference, either to themselves or for others. This level involves thinking and doing for others because it just feels good. Any reward is internal - an inner feeling of accomplishment or love.
