Motivation and productivity are two sides of the same coin. The former highly influences the latter but does not necessarily guarantee it.
Understanding the origins of motivation and how it impacts productivity can allow students and employers to reallocate efforts and incentives to achieve desirable outcomes.
In this article, you will learn the relationship between productivity and motivation, plus some tips and tricks to boost motivation.
Definition of motivation
“Moevre” is a Latin word that means to move; from there, the word motivation originated.
Motivation is the truck that pushes you towards achieving your goals.
There are a couple of motivation types that most therapists and researchers deal with:
- Intrinsic motivation – Motivation that comes from your inner self. In other words, you love and enjoy what you do.
- Extrinsic motivation – Motivation from external factors such as receiving payment or a gift.
Relationship between motivation and productivity
A study at the University of California has shown that employees’ productivity increases by 31% if they feel motivated. Consequently, these employees could achieve higher sales and be more creative.
Scientists argue that motivation impacts the striatum, a vital part of the brain. Other researchers suggest that it is linked with the memory parts of the brain.
Simply, motivation helps employees, students, and individuals as it enhances involvement and engagement with other teammates, encourages more effort toward task completion, reduces stress and anxiety, and develops levels of creativity and innovation.
How to boost productivity using motivation
Productivity is essential for achievement and task completion. Motivating yourself is one of the most important ways to be more productive.
Here are some helpful tips that can help you:
Set clear and attainable goals
It is worth noting that there is a difference between goals and motivation.
Goals are the desires you want to attain, while motivation is the inside power that pushes you toward them.
Your goals should follow the SMART criteria. They should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.
Read more: Goal-Setting: Why You Should Set Goals
The important thing is to keep your goals in view. You can write them on paper and stick them on the wall, fridge, car, desk, or wardrobe. So you will always remember them.
Get to know yourself
You must know what inhibits and motivates you to complete your tasks.
For example, a short conversation with a friend can release stress and recharge your energy. On the contrary, negative comments or useless gossiping can adversely impact your performance.
Grab a piece of paper, and write down the things and activities that motivate you.
Take care of your health
A healthy lifestyle matters. If you are exhausted, the likelihood of you getting any work done would be relatively low.
Keep in mind that sleep is crucial to your motivation and productivity. Rest for an adequate number of hours to recharge your body and be ready for all challenges.
Always have balanced meals to keep the “feel-good” hormone at a healthy level. This hormone is called dopamine. It is linked to the brain’s reward system and impacts your productivity and motivation.
Balanced meals must include tyrosine and magnesium, which your body converts to dopamine. Examples include poultry, watermelon, chocolate, apples, and peas.
Don’t exaggerate using physical rewards
Physical rewards, especially monetary ones, can boost students’ and employees’ motivation and productivity. However, they are not the only motivators.
Surprisingly, some research, such as Muarayma’s study (2018), show that overusing extrinsic rewards may have reverse results. They may reduce motivation and productivity. The same study also found that students could memorize information better if intrinsically motivated.
Incentives to motivate employees’ performance are not only monetary. They can be: appreciation, training, engagement, or observation.
Understand that motivation alone is not enough
If you believe that motivation in and of itself is sufficient to generate productivity, that notion is not true.
Your willingness is not enough. You have to take action, persist, and be able to motivate yourself to act again when you are bored and depressed. The desired action can be achieved using the steps mentioned above.
In conclusion
The relationship between motivation and productivity is an ongoing process that you must maintain through self-awareness, setting goals, a healthy and balanced lifestyle, and keeping in mind that money cannot always buy motivation.
Everyone has their way of motivating one’s self. What’s yours?
If you would like to take your reading on motivation further, check out the Personal Productivity Science Labs. The lab uses the research of the Institute for Life Management Science to produce courses, certifications, podcasts, videos, and other tools. Visit the Personal Productivity Science Labs today.
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