Motivation is the force that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It is what causes us to take action, and the driving forces that are beneath different types of motivation can be biological, social, emotional, or cognitive in nature.
In this fun quiz, look at the picture and remember what you see first, then read below to see what it says about you:
Psychology has mapped out a few solid theories explaining human motivation:
Instinct
According to the instinct theory of motivation, people are motivated to behave in certain ways because they are evolutionarily programmed to do so
Incentive
The Incentive Theory of Motivation states that people perform actions for external rewards, such as money for going to work.
Drive
According to the drive theory of motivation, people can be motivated to action to reduce the internal tension that is caused by unmet needs.
Arousal
The arousal theory of motivation says that people take certain actions to either decrease or increase levels of arousal; such as going to the gym when arousal levels are low, or looking to relax when arousal levels are too high.
Humanistic
Humanistic theories of motivation are based on the idea that people also have strong mental reasons to perform various actions. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is one example of this, which presents different motivations at different levels.
Expectancy
The expectancy theory of motivation suggests that when we are thinking about the future, we think of and imagine different expectations about what we think will happen.
The key to taking action is the belief in a successful result.
Which image did you see first in the picture? An Apple? Or a Butterfly? Read below to reveal a secret about what motivates you:
The Apple
If you first saw the apple when looking at the picture, you are a person who tends to wear their heart on their sleeve and also sees the best in everyone. You’re wonderfully loyal and tend to be very devoted when you’re in a relationship. You value unconditional love greatly, and sometimes even go beyond your own boundaries of self-care and self-protection in order to help those you love. You’re able to forgive the people in your life, and you act as the glue that holds everyone together.
When it comes to people, trust is one of the main motivating factors that can keep you going and can keep life flowing smoothly. You greatly value the bonds you have with others, and when you trust each other, your bonds and love are able to deepen and grow, whether it is in a relationship or a friendship. When trust is developed, you’re also able to hear and understand what others are saying to you much easier, and they are able to listen to and understand you as well.
To be able to trust another, it’s important to stay true to your nature and continue believing the best in everyone, and also to give them the benefit of the doubt. When people sense you trust them, they tend to live up to your expectations too, so it has a wonderful compounding effect. On the other hand, if someone’s actions contradict what they tell you quite often, you may need to have a serious conversation with them or move on, because trust is something you need to be empowered.
The Butterfly
If you first saw the butterfly in this picture, then you are a person of immense hope and great faith. You know that the sun will rise tomorrow, no matter how dark the night gets, and this deep understanding gives you a brilliant and bright optimism that causes people to really, really like you.
You are also capable of great transformation, and likely have been through difficult times in your life, but emerged to become the beautiful and loving person that you are today.
Your key and secret to motivation is always remembering what you profoundly love, most deeply within your heart, as this is your shining light through any challenging times. If you’ve spent time in meditation, yoga, or spiritual practices, you have found a connection within your heart to something extraordinary, and you know it. When you quiet and relax your mind, and bring your attention to the quiet whispers and sensations of your heart, you find a dear, gentle, and tender openness and softness, and being immersed in this energy brightens every aspect of your being. To stay motivated, stay in your heart, and you’ll always find your way through life to the morning light that always exists and will soon shine on you.
You are loved.
Watch this beautiful video of a kind student giving three bags of clothes to a bullied classmate who wore the same outfit each day:
