What motivates someone to do something? What exactly is motivation? Where does it come from?
Neuroscientists would say that it all comes down to substances produced and secreted by the cells of the nervous system.
Psychologists would say that motivations are related to a mechanism of both seeking pleasure and the attempt to avoid pain/suffering.
But what about doing things that one doesn't feel like doing when there's neither a know or immediate punishment for not doing them? Some say it is just a matter of discipline. But then again, what is that? Where does it come from? It has to be some kind of strength and if that is the case, how does one develop it? How to be(come) disciplined enough to practice what it takes to develop this trait when one doesn't have it to begin with?
Raquel, I love how you think. Thank you for bringing this topic to the fore. Indeed motivation is a key for action, whether that be learning a skill, a language or being more healthy, the list is infinite. I hope you will share your findings with us.
ReplyDeleteIn my readings about second language acquisition motivation ranks just as high as actual studying and comprehension! If one lacks motivation the skill is simply not truly acquired, or rather, it is barely acquired and with great difficulty.