What Motivates People? Seven Triggers Revealed

Understanding what motivates people is pivotal in various spheres of life, from business management to personal development. Motivation is the driving force that propels individuals to act, pursue goals, and achieve success. While each person is unique in their motivational triggers, certain universal factors resonate across different demographics and cultures. Here, we explore seven key triggers that ignite motivation, including insights from the well-researched theory of Competency, Autonomy, and Relatedness.?

Purpose and Meaning: People are intrinsically motivated when they find purpose and meaning in their actions. When individuals understand how their work contributes to a larger goal or aligns with their personal values, they are more likely to be engaged and committed. Companies that articulate a clear vision and a strategy for achieving it as well as demonstrating how each role contributes to this broader purpose often see higher levels of motivation among employees.

Autonomy: The desire for autonomy, a core component of the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) by Deci and Ryan, is a powerful motivator. Individuals feel more motivated when they have the freedom to make choices and exercise control over their work. Autonomy fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership, driving individuals to perform at their best. Encouraging autonomy doesn’t mean a lack of guidance but allowing space for personal initiative and decision-making.

Recognition and Rewards: Recognition and rewards are classic extrinsic motivators. They validate an individual's efforts and achievements, creating a sense of accomplishment. While financial incentives are commonly used, non-monetary recognition such as praise, awards, or new responsibilities can be equally effective. Keep in mind that extrinsic motivators are often not as powerful as intrinsic ones and can sometimes detract from intrinsic motivators.

Social Connection and Belonging: Humans are social beings, and the need for social connection is deeply ingrained. A sense of belonging, whether in a workplace, community, or among friends, can greatly enhance motivation. Inclusive and collaborative environments where individuals feel valued and connected can significantly increase engagement and motivation. This aspect aligns with the 'Relatedness' component of SDT, emphasizing the importance of social bonds and belonging.

Challenge and Achievement: People often find motivation in challenges that test their abilities. The satisfaction derived from overcoming obstacles and achieving goals is a strong motivator. It’s important, however, that these challenges are attainable and aligned with the individual's skills to avoid frustration and demotivation.

Fear and Survival: While often overlooked, fear and the instinct for survival can be potent motivators. The fear of failure, economic insecurity, or falling behind can drive individuals to act. However, it’s a double-edged sword; while it can initiate action, it can also lead to stress and burnout if not managed properly.

Competency: Competency is another critical aspect highlighted in SDT. It refers to the need for individuals to feel capable and effective in their actions. When people are given tasks that align with their skills and abilities, allowing for skill development and successful outcomes, their intrinsic motivation is enhanced.

Understanding what motivates people requires a nuanced approach, acknowledging the diversity in individual preferences and circumstances. By recognizing and leveraging these seven motivational triggers, including the foundational elements of Competency, Autonomy, and Relatedness from SDT, leaders, managers, and individuals can create environments that foster motivation, leading to increased productivity, satisfaction, and success.

Primary References

Self-Determination Theory (SDT), developed by psychologists Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan, is a well-established theory in psychology that has been extensively researched and applied in various domains, including education, work, and health. Key references and resources on SDT include:

Primary Sources by Deci and Ryan:

?? - Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. Plenum. This book is a seminal work that provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory.

?? - Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). "Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being." American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. This article is a foundational piece that outlines the key components of SDT.

Research and Applications:

?? - Niemiec, C. P., & Ryan, R. M. (2009). "Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness in the Classroom: Applying Self-Determination Theory to Educational Practice." Theory and Research in Education, 7(2), 133–144. This paper discusses the application of SDT in educational settings.

?? - Gagné, M., & Deci, E. L. (2005). "Self-Determination Theory and Work Motivation." Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), 331–362. This article explores the implications of SDT in the workplace.

Books for Further Reading:

?? - Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness. Guilford Press. This book offers an updated synthesis of research and applications of SDT.

?? - Deci, E. L., & Flaste, R. (1995). Why We Do What We Do: Understanding Self-Motivation. Penguin Books. This book provides an accessible introduction to SDT for a general audience.

Online Resources:

?? - The Self-Determination Theory website (https://selfdeterminationtheory.org) is an excellent resource for finding a vast array of articles, tools, and updates on SDT research.

Empirical Studies:

?? - Numerous empirical studies across different cultures and contexts have been published in academic journals like the "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology," "Motivation and Emotion," and "Learning and Individual Differences," further validating and expanding the applications of SDT.

These references provide a solid foundation for understanding Self-Determination Theory and its relevance in explaining human motivation across various settings.

Note: This article was written with research conducted using ChatGPT.