Motivation Isn’t Magic — It’s Psychology in Action
Why some people rise after setbacks, and how you can cultivate lasting drive
Why do some people seem to rise every time they fall — while others lose momentum, even when the path is clear?
The answer often lies not in willpower or talent, but in something far more nuanced: motivation.
We tend to think of motivation as a fixed trait. You either have it or you don’t. But in reality, it’s a psychological state — one that shifts depending on our environment, emotional state, goals, and even our biology.
Let’s break it down.
The Two Faces of Motivation
Psychologists generally divide motivation into two categories:
Intrinsic Motivation: Driven by internal desires — curiosity, purpose, joy, personal growth. Think of an artist who paints simply because they love the process.
Extrinsic Motivation: Fueled by external rewards — promotions, praise, recognition. Like a student studying hard for a scholarship.
Both are valid, and often they coexist. But when motivation feels sustainable and fulfilling, it’s usually because our actions align with something deeply meaningful.
Why Purpose Matters
According to Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan), we’re most energized when our goals meet three core psychological needs:
Autonomy – feeling in control of our choices
Competence – feeling capable and improving at what we do
Relatedness – feeling connected to others
When these needs are met, motivation stops being a struggle and becomes a natural outflow of engagement and purpose.
The Brain’s Role: Dopamine and Anticipation
Dopamine — often labeled the brain’s “reward chemical” — plays a crucial role in motivation. But it’s not just about the reward itself. Dopamine spikes in anticipation of achieving a goal.
That’s why breaking down large goals into smaller steps works so well. Each milestone releases a little dopamine, reinforcing our effort and keeping us going.
Why We Sometimes Feel Stuck
Even the most driven people feel unmotivated at times. Common psychological barriers include:
Perfectionism and fear of failure
Burnout and emotional exhaustion
Lack of clarity or emotional investment in goals
Learned helplessness — the belief that effort won’t change the outcome
If you’ve ever felt stuck, you’re not alone. It’s not a personal flaw. It’s often a sign that your inner needs or outer conditions aren’t being met.
How to Reignite Motivation — Practically
Motivation can be rebuilt. Here are a few strategies I often share with clients (and use myself):
Visualize the process, not just the end goal
Celebrate progress — even small wins count
Reconnect with your “why” regularly
Track your energy — what lifts you? What drains you?
Surround yourself with growth-minded people
And perhaps most importantly: Don’t wait to feel motivated before taking action.
Often, it’s the act of starting — even imperfectly — that triggers momentum.
Motivation and Mental Health
Low motivation is often a silent symptom of deeper mental health concerns — like depression, anxiety, or chronic stress. It’s not laziness. It’s a signal that the mind and body may need support, not shame.
As a clinical psychologist, I gently remind people: You’re allowed to begin before you feel ready. Small actions, taken consistently, are powerful medicine.
So,
Motivation isn’t magic. It’s not about being constantly inspired or grinding endlessly. It’s about cultivating the right inner and outer conditions for sustainable effort — anchored in meaning.
So the next time you feel stuck or off-track, pause and ask:
What matters to me right now?
What would one small step forward look like?
How can I make space for joy and purpose in the process?
Success doesn’t have to be a sprint. Sometimes, it’s enough to walk — as long as you’re walking toward something that matters.
Want to explore this together?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
