Apparently, the question sounds easy; easy to such an extent that the answer comes instantly and quite naturally- ‘this much’ or ‘that much’. But in reality, this is not the case. Neither the terms are so simple in nature nor is the answer to this question.
To understand how much motivation affects performance, one needs to know what ‘motivation’ and ‘performance’ actually are and the connection between the two terms. After that comes the thought of affecting or leaving an impact and if the answer is yes, then how much or to what extent is the effect fathomable.
So, let’s first concentrate on the term individually and then conjure up the chemistry.
Motivation
Motivation is not just a word rather it is a theory which many eminent thinkers have propagated in various light according to their understandings. It is that thing with which behaviours can be explained, or because of motivations, the behavioural changes or differences in different people can be seen. Motivation is a reason or a set of reasons which can force a certain person to act in a certain manner at a certain point of time. There are many words to replace ‘motivation’, and those are an inspiration, stimulus, provocation and all these hints at the anticipation of an action happening.
Motivation is the first step which urges a person to commit or commit to something. It can be regarded as both positive and negative depending on the works that are performed after that. As an example, to solve any crime mystery, the investigators look for the motive as it is the motive which motivates the criminal to do the offence.
Moreover, motivation plays an important role in shaping up someone’s personality and attitude towards life, as it directs an individual to his/her course of action. So, a right motivation will lead to the creation of a good and righteous individual.
Performance
After motivation comes performance. It is an act of performing, performing anything and everything, like a play, in a game or mere duties. All actions that are performed are bound to have a result or an effect. This effect sorts what is the achievement of the performances or the performers. Performance is a processed progression i.e. in a performance the actions progress through processes. There are certain steps which lead to the staging of a successful performance.
It is the commitment of doing something; the act of taking the responsibility to draw an ending line to finish an act. Performances can be of various kinds- personal or public. In the public domain, sports, jobs, education, or acting, all are waiting for performances from different individuals. In personal or private domain falls the duties and responsibilities which every other individual cannot run away from and will have to perform.
Nexus between Motivation and Performance
Now that you have a basic idea about the terms, it will be slightly easier to stir up the connection between the two or to understand how they are linked. In the previous paragraphs, it could be seen, how difficult it is to differentiate both the ideas. Yes, motivation and performance are two individual ideas, but they are very intrinsic to each other as they share the cause-effect relationship. They can stand alone but will also require the support of each other to portray the full-fledged meaning.
It is the motivation that motivates a person to pay heed to his/her works and perform and subsequently, it is this performance which motivates that same person to perform some more; to strive for excellence. It is a cyclic process which is not only true for one person but applies to anyone and everyone. When the connection between these two could be achieved so easily, now it is time to test the bond and understand how much emphasis does one has on the other.
The Effect
When motivation is the stimulus (it won’t be very wrong to say ‘only’) which pushes a person to perform, then the dominance is clearly established, and it can’t be denied. It is the driving force which helps a person to achieve his/her dreams or goals. Motivation is a dormant desire which is inside but in depth. It can’t be seen but can be felt only when it overpowers the individual to show what he/she has got in store.
Motivation matters, but how much that is to be seen.
How Does Motivation Affect Your Performance?
#1 Innate Motivation
The motivation which is there in oneself. It is the best and most effective type of motivation as it comes from within and helps to scale great heights. Being innate, this is aware of the strengths and the weaknesses and still, shows faith and confidence in achieving the goal. It builds the person. Nothing is more beautiful than a person who knows himself and how to fight. And quite evidently, this fight always bears sweet fruits.
#2 Outside Motivation
It is certainly commendable to be a one man army, but few can’t deny the pleasure and magic when someone else sees potential in you and trusts your abilities. This kind of trust can lead you to move mountains. A time comes when you can lose faith in yourself, then this external help provides shelter and solace and gives you the required push towards your goal.
#3 Materialistic Motivations
These come in the form of materials and help a lot. A degree, a medal, a certificate or an award- these objects can boost you like anything.
#4 Abstract Motivations
A word or a paragraph of praise or the admiration in the eyes of the witnesses or the sparkling smile of yours- all these possess immense power and can motivate you to go all the higher.
Bottom Line
The aim of every motivation is to provide the person with zest so that he/she can achieve what he/she wants. In the field of sports or jobs, failures will come, but a motivated person will know how to fight back. Motivation clears the vision and widens the mind, it cleanses personality of pessimism and helps to fly high!
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