Teaching Material

1. What is motivation?

Motivation is the process that initiates, directs and sustains our behaviour towards a goal. It can be divided into two main categories: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation comes from within the person. It is our personal interests, values and the satisfaction we derive from doing a particular activity. For example, a scientist doing research because of his or her passion for science is motivated by intrinsic factors.

1.1. Benefits of intrinsic motivation

- Long-term effects. Intrinsic motivation is usually long-term, as it is based on personal interests and values.
- Deep engagement. Individuals who are driven by intrinsic motivation are often more engaged in their activities and tend to perform better.
- Higher quality. Work done as a result of intrinsic motivation is often of a higher quality, as individuals strive to maximise their abilities and knowledge in their work.

1.2. Benefits of extrinsic motivation

Extrinsic motivation comes from external factors such as salaries, bonuses, awards or recognition from others. For example, an employee seeking a promotion for a higher salary is motivated by external factors.
- Short-term incentive. External factors can quickly motivate people to achieve short-term goals.
- Specific incentives. External incentives, such as monetary rewards or prizes, can be very effective in achieving specific, defined goals.
- Encouraging competition. Extrinsic motivation can stimulate competition and thus lead to better performance, especially within teams or organisations.

1.3. Personal motivation

While both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation have their advantages, it is important to find a balance between them. Too much emphasis on extrinsic motivation alone can lead to a long-term lack of satisfaction and engagement, while intrinsic motivation alone may not always provide sufficient incentive to achieve short-term or material goals.
Personal motivation is an internal force or need that drives a person to pursue a goal, to act or to achieve a particular outcome. It is an individual process whereby a person acts in accordance with his or her own inner needs, values, wants and desires, rather than under pressure from external or individual factors. Personal motivation can be a powerful driver for success in both personal and professional life. It drives people forward, even in the face of difficulties, and helps to maintain determination and self-confidence. Personal motivation can stem from: personal goals; internal influences; personal values; and the drive for self-expression. Personal motivation is essential for achieving long-term goals and life satisfaction because it reflects a person's inner feelings, desires and values.

1.4. The main elements of personal motivation include

1. Goals: what drives a person to move forward is often the pursuit of specific goals or outcomes.
2. Recognition: the desire to be recognised for one's efforts and successes can also be a strong motivator.
3. Personal progress: the desire to improve, learn and grow in one's skills and abilities can also be a source of motivation.
4. Interests and passion: the importance of activities that a person enjoys and is inspired by cannot be overstated. A passionate interest in a particular activity can provide extraordinary energy and a drive to excel.
5. Maintaining self-esteem: personal motivation can be closely linked to self-esteem and self-worth. People often strive to achieve their goals and success by respecting themselves and their abilities.

1.5. Ways to boost personal motivation

- Set clear goals: help yourself to define clearly what your long-term and short-term goals are. Goals should be measurable, specific and realistic.
 - Break down big goals into smaller ones: big goals can seem daunting or difficult to achieve. Breaking them down into smaller, more achievable chunks will help you stay motivated.
- Know your interests: find and identify the activities that you enjoy and spend the most time on. Engage in activities that you enjoy and that are in line with your personal aspirations.
 - Seek continuous improvement: be open to innovation and learning. A direct and consistent focus on improvement and personal growth can increase your motivation.
 - Build your self-esteem: a positive attitude towards yourself and your abilities is an important element of personal motivation. Acknowledge your achievements and boost your self-esteem.
 - Find external support: find friends, family or colleagues who are supportive and encouraging. Sharing your goals and progress with them can provide additional motivation.
 - Evaluate your progress: regularly review your progress and recognise your achievements. This will help you stay motivated and keep you committed to your goals.
 These techniques can help to develop and maintain personal motivation, but the key is to discover what works best for you and find ways to maintain that motivation.
Personal motivation enables people to act in a way that enables them and the institution they work for to achieve the objectives of the institution, and to meet the needs of everyone working and the institution. Motivation is therefore beneficial to the institution because a motivated employee wants to be at work, takes pride in his/her work, does not have a negative attitude towards the company, and is committed and satisfied with his/her work. By having such employees, the institution can achieve: higher productivity, lower labour turnover, and a greater likelihood that change will be accepted rather than resisted.