Motivation

Understanding Motivation

  • Motivation is a key psychological aspect that influences sports performance.
  • It’s a set of forces that initiate, direct, and sustain physical and psychological activities.
  • Included within motivation is desire, the psychological effort that one puts into achieving a goal.
  • Motivation is often classified into intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) motivation.

Intrinsic Motivation

  • Intrinsic motivation arises from the individual’s internal desire to perform an activity purely for enjoyment or satisfaction.
  • This type of motivation is driven by interests, enjoyment, and personal challenge.
  • Intrinsic motivation is generally stronger and leads to greater persistence in sport.

Extrinsic Motivation

  • Extrinsic motivation comes from external sources, such as trophies, money, or social recognition.
  • It encourages behaviours that lead to rewards or avoid punishments.
  • This type of motivation can be effective in the short-term but may not result in long-term commitment.

Theories of Motivation

  • One key theory is the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) which suggests that people have three basic psychological needs — autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
  • Goal Orientation Theory proposes that athletes either have a ‘task’ or ‘ego’ orientation that influences their motivation.
  • The Achievement Goal Theory suggests that motivation is driven by the wish to achieve competence and avoid failure.

Motivation in Sports Performance

  • Strong motivation can lead to increased effort, focus, and persistence, all of which can improve performance.
  • It can also enhance an athlete’s ability to cope with adversity and stress, and promote continued participation and development in sport.
  • In contrast, a lack of motivation can lead to poor performance, reduced effort and ultimately, dropping out of the sport.

To enhance performance, it’s critical to understand the types of motivation and how to apply motivational techniques. Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors play an essential part in driving sports performance. Tailoring these factors to individual needs can optimise an athlete’s motivation.