Motivation & Goal Setting

No motivation? Struggling at work and in your personal life? Hard to stick to a routine? Difficulty with goal setting? Book one of our Geelong counsellors to regain your motivation. 

Motivation acts as the driving force behind our actions, reflecting the willingness or need to achieve something. It embodies the psychological forces directing the level of effort and persistence towards achieving goals, guiding reactions to fulfil needs or expectations. At its core, motivation represents the 'why' behind our actions and behaviour, whether self-generated or influenced externally.

Components of Motivation

Motivation can be broken down into three components:

1. Direction: It relates to the chosen objectives an individual seeks, aligning actions towards specific goals, often within a hierarchical framework of means-end relationships.
2. Intensity: This represents the amount of energy or effort one is willing to invest in a task or goal. It reflects the vigour or commitment towards achieving the desired outcome.
3. Persistence: This component encompasses the sustained dedication and commitment over time towards pursuing and achieving the set goals, allowing for flexibility and adjustments when needed.

Stages of Motivation

Motivation involves a process divided into two primary stages:

1. Goal-Setting: This stage involves determining the direction of motivation by setting specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
2. Goal-Striving: It encompasses the implementation of plans, efforts, and actions aimed at achieving the set goals, allowing for adaptations and adjustments as necessary.

Types of Motivation

Motivation exists in various forms:

• Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation: Intrinsic motivation arises from internal factors like enjoyment, while extrinsic motivation stems from external rewards or recognition.
• Conscious and Unconscious Motivation: Conscious motivation involves explicit goal recognition, while unconscious motivation operates beneath awareness, influenced by deep-seated beliefs.
• Rational and Irrational Motivation: Rational motivation is based on a clear reason for behaviour, while irrational motivation lacks a defined basis.
• Biological and Cognitive Motivation: Biological motivation arises from physiological needs, while cognitive motivation emerges from psychological aspirations.
• Short-term and Long-term Motivation: Short-term motivation seeks immediate rewards, while long-term motivation involves sustained commitment to distant goals.
• Egoistic and Altruistic Motivation: Egoistic motivation serves self-interest, while altruistic motivation focuses on others’ well-being without expecting personal gain.

Understanding these diverse forms of motivation provides insights into the complexities influencing human behaviour, reflecting the interplay of internal and external factors.

Causes of Low Motivation

Several factors can contribute to decreased motivation:

• All-or-Nothing Thinking: Perfectionistic tendencies can lead to discouragement at the smallest setback, hindering sustained motivation.
• Belief in Quick Fixes: Expecting immediate results can demotivate if goals take longer to achieve.
• One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Assuming methods successful for others will work universally can lead to disillusionment if they don't align with personal needs and preferences.

Recognising and addressing these inhibitors can help maintain and foster motivation towards achieving goals and aspirations.

How Counselling Can Help

Counselling plays a crucial role in improving motivation by addressing the root causes that might be holding someone back.

Therapists use different methods based on the person's needs. One common approach is cognitive-behavioural therapy, which helps identify and challenge negative thoughts that can affect motivation. By changing these thoughts, people can develop a more positive mindset that encourages motivation.

Motivational interviewing is another technique used in counselling. It helps people explore their feelings about making changes and connects their goals with their personal values. This can boost their inner motivation to change.

Counselling also helps individuals deal with emotions like fear or past failures that might be getting in the way of motivation. By addressing these feelings, people can learn how to handle challenges better.

Additionally, counselling assists in setting achievable goals and breaking them down into smaller steps. This helps individuals see progress, which can increase their motivation to keep going.