Introduction to Motivation

Montage by Victor D. Bloomberg, January 3, 2017

Motivation: What is It?

One answer is: The desire for motion. Desire is an emotion. The most basic desire would be: less pain and more pleasure. There are times when a person might flip it. Reasons vary as do reactions. For example, a person might feel pride or shame for seeking pain and fleeing pleasure. Recognition and anticipation (of things that cause pain and pleasure) is done by the inter-connected limbic system and thinking brain (When Do Emotions Injure or Heal.)

Motivation to Change

Abraham H. Maslow (Motivation and Personality, 1954) wrote that discontent is motivational and that satisfaction of one type of need can open “grumbles” (his term) for other necessities. That’s where his “hierarchy of needs” comes in, grumbles reflect desires. For example, while food and shelter are ‘iffy’ a person might tolerate abusiveness in the family - then better economic times could bring into focus the desire for personal safety. That motivates seeking help to set up a safety plan and alternative housing.

Well, my guess is all adults know that a lot of things are easier said than done. So motivation for change to heal one’s self and do things differently can be expected to go up and down. To explain the challenge, Stages of Change Theory [1] was developed and is widely used by programs to treat addiction. (An excellent video about addiction is The Power of Addiction and The Addiction of Power by Gabor Maté.)

Let’s look at a guide for our conversations, as well as talks you could have with others. You can also use it as a worksheet or for your journal.

Stages of Change

o   Pre-Contemplation – You could think about it, but rarely do.

o   Contemplation – You are thinking about it, you see it so you can be it.

o   Preparation – It’s a plan that includes your team of supporters and coaches.

o   Action – Small successes use skills that are strengthened through practice ( such as conditioning for sports.)

o   Maintenance – Routines build wellness and fulfill dreams.

o   Relapse – Expect to fall of the horse, dust off and get back in the saddle again.

Check-in Questions

How are you doing right now in this moment?

What would another person be able to describe while looking at you?

What two opposite choices are you facing right now?

Which choice represents change that you want?

What is a key strength of yours that will help you decide what to do?

Motivational Mirror

I desire the change because …

I can use this ability to …

My reason to change in this way is …

I need this change because …

My commitment to this change is …

o   Strong

o   So-so

o   Weak

Benefits to My Life

o   Social

o   Financial

o   Legal

o   Spiritual

o   Relationships

o   Health

o   Self-Worth

Reference

[1] Stages of Change Theory by Nahrain Raihan and Mark Cogburn, National Library of Medicine, NIH. Retrieved March 7, 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556005/