Motivation is the driving force behind why we do what we do. It’s what gives us the energy and the direction to pursue our goals. But what motivates people? There are numerous theories and studies on the different motivators of human behavior, but among the most widely recognized are the seven motivators that we will explore in this article. From achievement and recognition to affiliation and security, understanding these key drivers can provide a valuable insight into why people behave the way they do.
Motivation drives human behavior. It’s what gets us out of bed in the morning and keeps us going through tough times. Psychologists have long sought to understand what motivates people and have identified several key factors that influence our actions.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within. It’s the drive to do something because it’s enjoyable or fulfilling. People are more likely to be intrinsically motivated when they feel they have control over their actions and when they feel competent in what they’re doing.
Extrinsic motivation comes from external factors. It’s the drive to do something to achieve a reward or avoid a punishment. People are more likely to be extrinsically motivated when they feel like they have to do something rather than want to do it.
The desire to achieve is a powerful motivator. People are motivated by the feeling of accomplishment that comes with reaching a goal. They may set personal or professional goals to challenge themselves and push themselves to their limits.
The desire for power can be a motivator for some people. They may be driven by the need to control situations or influence others. The desire for power can be positive or negative, depending on how it’s used.
Humans are social creatures, and the need for affiliation is a strong motivator for many. People may seek out social connections and relationships to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance.
The need for security is a basic human need. People may be motivated by the desire for financial stability, job security, or a stable home life. They may prioritize stability over other goals.
The need for stimulation can be a motivator for some people. They may seek out new experiences and challenges to keep life exciting and interesting. The desire for stimulation can lead to risk-taking behavior.
Motivation is critical for achieving personal and professional goals. Without motivation, people may struggle to find direction, focus, and purpose in life. Motivation can help people overcome obstacles, persist through challenges, and achieve success.
Motivation has several benefits, including:
If you’re struggling with motivation, there are several strategies you can try:
There are seven motivators of people, which are often referred to as the seven drivers. These motivators are the psychological needs that drive human behavior and include power, affiliation, achievement, autonomy, security, stimulation, and mastery. Each of these motivators affects people differently and, therefore, plays a vital role in driving an individual’s behavior.
Power, as a motivator, is all about the ability to control or influence others‘ actions, decisions, thoughts, or beliefs. People who are motivated by power tend to seek ways to control or influence others, whether for personal or professional reasons. The motivation to achieve power often comes from a desire to establish authority, assert dominance, or gain recognition and status.
Affiliation is the strong need for social inclusion, acceptance, and belongingness. People who are motivated by affiliation seek social connections and relationships, and they strive to establish strong social bonds with others. This motivation for affiliation can stem from the need for companionship, emotional support, or a sense of belonging to a group.
Achievement is the drive to accomplish challenging goals, surpass expectations, and experience personal growth and development. People who are motivated by achievement are looking for opportunities to use their skills and abilities, test their limits, and accomplish challenging tasks that bring a sense of satisfaction, fulfillment, and accomplishment.
Autonomy is the desire for independence, self-determination, and freedom to choose one’s own actions and decisions. People who are motivated by autonomy are looking for ways to have control over their lives, work, and environment. Autonomy can stem from a need for self-expression, freedom, and flexibility in one’s daily activities.
Security is the need for stability, predictability, and safety in one’s personal and professional life. People who are motivated by security are looking for a sense of stability and dependability in their lives. This motivation can come from a need for financial security, job security, or relational security.
Stimulation is the need for novelty, excitement, and challenging experiences. People who are motivated by stimulation are looking for experiences that are emotionally and intellectually engaging, which may push them outside their comfort zone. This motive can stem from a desire for exploration, adventure, or a need to feel alive.
Mastery is the drive to become better at something, to develop expertise in a particular skill or domain. People who are motivated by mastery are looking to become an expert in their field, to gain knowledge and skills that will lead to more significant achievements and opportunities. Mastery can stem from a desire for personal growth, career advancement, or recognition.