Sometimes, some of the tactics people use to increase motivation are less effective than we think.
For example, sometimes visualizing success can backfire, andincentivescan sometimes make people less motivated.
Fortunately, it’s possible for you to take steps to build motivation the right way.
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In many cases, the answer is actually no.
Giving incentives for activities that people are already driven to perform can sometimes impair motivation.
It is essentially doing something for the pure enjoyment of it.
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Doing the task is its own reward.
Psychologists refer to this phenomenon as theoverjustification effect.
So be cautious with rewards.
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How Can You Use This Concept to Increase Motivation?
Motivation and mental energy tend to increase as the expected difficulty of a task increases.
(However, this only works up to a certain point.
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Once a task gets too difficult, motivation drops).
How can you make the most of this tendency?
Sign up for a local marathon.
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Focus on improving your times or going just a little bit further than you usually do.
Imagining yourself achieving your goals can reduce the motivation to actually attain those goals.
So what does work?
Take Control
People often feel more motivated when they have control over what will happen.
Did you feel particularly motivated to contribute to the group?
What can you do to take back control in group situations?
People with this mindset believe that personal characteristics are simply inborn and unchanging.
How Can You Avoid Developing a Fixed Mindset?
Some of these research findings might contradict your existing ideas about what works and what doesn’t regarding motivation.
Try incorporating a few of these strategies into your daily habits to improve your enthusiasm and drive to succeed.
It’s important to remember that what works for someone else might not work for you.
That means you’ll have to determine which motivation strategies are most effective.
Such symptoms may be a sign of depression.
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Kappes HB, Morewedge CK.Mental simulation as substitute for experience.Social and Personality Psych.
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