Defining Motivation
By Indre Both
EDI 600 Psychology of Education
School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
June 7, 2009
Today we watched a powerful and memorable film “October Sky” and discussed what is motivation. We all submitted virtually the same suggestions for defining the word motivation. Students wrote words on our poster such as “inspire,” “believe,” “encourage,” “nurture.” However, what I found particularly interesting was that although we all had very similar word definitions, we had quite different ideas on what motivation actually is.
My personal take was that people are born with intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Those who are stuck so to speak in the middle, or the unmotivated ones can be lucky to have someone inspiring in their lives to give them that extra kick. However, if we reflect on the whole picture, who is anyone to say that a particular person is or is not motivated?
Motivation is really the reason why we do the things we do. Our capitalistic culture likes to define a “motivated person” as one with primarily financial success. Another word that Americans like to use to describe such people is “go-getters.” Does that mean that a mom putting her career on hold to raise her four children and not put them in day care is not a “go-getter” and therefore not motivated? To her, the motivation is her view of what is best for her children. Therefore, defining of what a motivated person can be highly subjective. The most I can wish is that I will be a great mom, passionate and content with my life. That’s my goal and motivation in life!
Long Island University, C. W. Post
June 7, 2009
Today we watched a powerful and memorable film “October Sky” and discussed what is motivation. We all submitted virtually the same suggestions for defining the word motivation. Students wrote words on our poster such as “inspire,” “believe,” “encourage,” “nurture.” However, what I found particularly interesting was that although we all had very similar word definitions, we had quite different ideas on what motivation actually is.
My personal take was that people are born with intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Those who are stuck so to speak in the middle, or the unmotivated ones can be lucky to have someone inspiring in their lives to give them that extra kick. However, if we reflect on the whole picture, who is anyone to say that a particular person is or is not motivated?
Motivation is really the reason why we do the things we do. Our capitalistic culture likes to define a “motivated person” as one with primarily financial success. Another word that Americans like to use to describe such people is “go-getters.” Does that mean that a mom putting her career on hold to raise her four children and not put them in day care is not a “go-getter” and therefore not motivated? To her, the motivation is her view of what is best for her children. Therefore, defining of what a motivated person can be highly subjective. The most I can wish is that I will be a great mom, passionate and content with my life. That’s my goal and motivation in life!
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