Motivation Theories

Motivation theories are used to help us understand why certain behaviors motivate us and others do not. You can read below about some of the motivation theories out there today.

Incentive Theory

One is rewarded for performing a certain action with the hopes that that action will continue to occur again. This is similiar to you trying to teach your dog to sit. By performing an action and then having a favorable outcome afterwards, we associate that action with positive feelings. This makes us more likely to perform the action again. You can do this with your diet and fitness by rewarding yourself at the end of the week for sticking with your plans.

Drive-Reduction Theories

Since we are all human, we have certain drives that help us function in life. For example, when you are hungry, you seek out food. Once the drive is satisfied, the strength of that desire is reduced.

Need Theories

Much like the Drive-Reduction Theory, human beings have wants and desires which influence their behavior. Unsatisfied needs influence behavior the most. Therefore, needs are ordered based on importance. In health and fitness, it is important to find a dseire or need and mentally be able to tell yourself that it is the priority on your list.

Goal Setting Theory

Of the motivation theories presented, I like goal setting theory. Humans like to achieve things. We like having clearly defined ends. For most, achieving a goal is a reward in itself and can help get the momentum going towards creating and achieveing bigger and better goals. A goal is affected by three features: proximity, difficulty, and specificity. Ideal goals should be obtainable and have relatively close start and end times. If a goal is too lofty, you can lose focus and steam and are more likely to fail than succeed. Read more about goal setting and motivation.

You can also check out 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself: Change You Life Forever

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