The influence of general psychology on the understanding of human motivation

How do you explain the fact that one person finds it so difficult to achieve their goals, while another manages to do so much faster and easier? Why do you find some tasks easy and interesting, while others are unpleasant? General psychology can help answer these and other questions. It is the science of how the brain perceives and processes information that influences desires and actions. This knowledge can be used to increase motivation and achieve success.

The secret of human motivation

Human motivation is the engine that drives us to move forward. It is motivation that determines why a person chooses certain goals, how they work to achieve them, and what prevents them from moving forward. To understand how motivation is formed and what influences it, let's look at the basics of general psychology.

What is the motivation to act?

From the point of view of general psychology, human motivation is a set of psychophysiological processes that form the desire to engage in certain activities. Motivation can be intrinsic, when actions are taken to satisfy one's own needs and interests, or extrinsic, when a person is motivated by external factors such as rewards or approval.

How is the desire to act formed?

A person's motivation is shaped by various factors.

• Needs and wants. Basic needs, such as food, safety, and self-expression, directly affect motivation. When these needs are not met, a person will look for ways to fix it.
• Goals and expectations. A clear goal and an idea of the result can motivate. When a person knows exactly what he or she wants to achieve and sincerely believes that he or she can do it, the desire to act increases significantly.

What influences inspiration?

• Emotional state. A person's emotions, such as stress, anxiety, or joy, can both increase and decrease motivation.
• Social environment. The support of loved ones and society in general helps you to move forward despite any obstacles. A negative environment, on the other hand, can suppress the desire to achieve goals.
• Character traits. Perseverance, healthy self-esteem, and initiative have a positive effect on the level of motivation. A person with high self-discipline usually overcomes difficulties better than one who has problems with self-control.
• Cultural background. The environment in which a person grows up shapes their worldview. For example, some cultures place great emphasis on collective achievements, while others emphasise individual success.
• Values and beliefs. What is of particular importance to a person will directly affect their inspiration.
• Upbringing and experience. Life lessons learnt in childhood and adolescence influence how a person approaches difficulties and achievements. Positive experiences of support and encouragement will create a high level of motivation.
• Physiological characteristics. Health and well-being also determine the desire to act.
• The context of the situation. The conditions in which a person finds himself or herself can significantly affect his or her motivation. For example, the presence of urgent deadlines or clear tasks can both stimulate and create additional stress.

Psychological techniques to increase motivation

In general psychology, there are several effective methods for improving human motivation.

1. Set a clear and achievable goal. Divide large tasks into smaller ones to see progress and keep the desire to move on.
2. Pay attention to your surroundings. Communicate more with people who inspire you and help you achieve your goals.
3. Reward yourself for reaching milestones. Rewards can be both tangible and intangible: for example, a holiday or a hobby.
4. Try relaxation techniques: deep breathing in stressful situations or regular yoga. This will help maintain a stable emotional state.
5. Learn to plan your time and resources. Well-organised tasks help maintain concentration and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Understanding how human motivation works will not only help you improve your personal effectiveness, but also influence your professional performance. So use this knowledge to set realistic goals and achieve them with more inspiration!