Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviours. It is what causes you to act, whether it is getting something to eat because you are hungry or reading a book to enhance your knowledge.
There are two main types of motivation. Controlled motivation and autonomous motivation. Self-determination theory explores these types of motivation in greater depth.
Controlled motivation comes from the outside. It is external, extrinsic. Controlled motivation is when you do something to comply with someone else, or out of fear of a consequence.
Autonomous motivation comes from within. It is internal, intrinsic. Autonomous motivation means you are driven by your own needs, feelings, desires and values.
Controlled motivation revolves around facts, force and fear. This can be successful in the short term however often outcomes are not sustained. Defiance is common.
‘The strongest human instinct is to impart information, the second strongest is to resist it’ – Kenneth Grahame
In contrast, autonomous motivation is based on individual control, choice and personal values. Behaviours are more creative and flexible. Performance is optimised and change is long term. Autonomous motivation is a core human drive.
As a health coach I don’t tell people what to do. My focus is not to give information. I don’t encourage people to be motivated. These work sometimes for some people for a short period of time.
As a health coach I am a catalyst for change. It is not about how I motivate others, instead it’s about how I can help create conditions within which others will motivate themselves. I use specific evidenced based coaching skills to help people to identify what motivates them to make changes. I help them to find their meaning and purpose, their values and needs. This will ultimately provide the motivation towards change.
If you are interested in finding out more about how I help people make change, and how you can use your autonomous motivation to make this happen, I would love to hear from you. Send me a message and we can arrange a free sessions to talk further.