This post looks at motivation, not only how it can be used in e-sports and gaming, but also in other areas of life. Through some theory exploration, as well as practice sessions, the goal is to help the viewer to understand how to effectively use motivation to their advantage.
Motivation comes from the latin word, movere, which means “to move”. This is why we like to imagine that motivation is something that, metaphorically, moves you. What moves you to play? What moves you to work?
Some people may have watched motivational videos in an effort to capture the motivational theories of celebrities or star athletes. These videos can be inspiring – but they are short term solutions. Motivation comes from within, not from an outside source; this program will guide you in how to do that. We will show you how to create a positive feedback loop that generates momentum and ensures a consistent source of motivation.
Through the analysis of motivation we can start to understand the different types, and how people are driven by different forces. The motivation continuum serves as a complex set of motivational theories that explains feelings which arise as a result of different motivators and pressures.
When we think about motivation, we wonder what exactly causes people to do the things they do. What drives people to act, behave, or perform in a certain way?
Controlled motivation – “mustivation”
Autonomous motivation – “wantivation”
Another set of terms that work similarly to these explanations is extrinsic motivation, and intrinsic motivation.
| People who are driven by extrinsic motivators | People who are intrinsically motivated |
| Do things because they have toAre fixated on rewards and outcomesBecome depleted of energy when they fail | Do things because they want toTake pleasure in the processHappily continue on their path despite failures |
The motivation continuum also provides us with an opportunity to analyze different motivators, such as pressure and drive. Someone who is pressured to do something will fear the backlash of what will happen if they don’t do it – this is again fitting for the term “mustivation”. For those who are powered by their own drive, and their own desire to do something, they will be more passionate about what they’re doing, and focused on the process more than the outcome.
Motivation is about satisfying our three basic human needs:
Autonomy – self governance and independence
Competence – feeling capable and effective
Relatedness – a sense of belonging and respect of peers
Fulfillment of these basic human needs prevents emotional exhaustion and keeps us energized to accomplish our goals.
Discipline – How Can I Perform Consistently?
Discipline is at the service of motivation. When we are depleted of energy, we fall back onto our routines. Discipline helps to ensure a level of consistency in our lives. We educate our clients on common barriers to discipline, and show them how to implement strategies which produce results through long-term consistency.
Instant Gratification – I Want it Here, and I Want it Now!
What encourages this pattern of thought? What has conditioned us to think this way?
There is an undeniable role of social media in regard to instant gratification – likes, views, comments, followers, subscribers, these things all provide us with some enjoyment, and it happens instantly. Gratification from social media is rewarded by increased levels of neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine, but if it remains the only source of satisfaction, people lack discipline and are instead too focused on instant results.
The ultimate goal is to build discipline over time. The discipline build-up is the gradual, incremental implementation of attainable goals.
How do we set ourselves up for success?
Viewers will learn about goal setting, different types of goals, and how to use them effectively. This means that they will be able to set their own aspirational yet achievable goals which are personalised to their specific needs. We will also explain the process of how to accomplish these goals in a manageable way.
What kind of goals are there?
- Long term goals – goals that are far into the future, and unattainable without significant progress
- Short term goals – daily or weekly processes, training objectives
- Group goals – instances where we are motivated by the overall good it will bring to others, and not just ourselves
Process vs. Outcome
When the only motivation is the result, not achieving that result depletes you of energy.
We show our viewers how to focus on the execution, the performance, and the small objectives that lead towards long term goals.
Through more detailed, thorough explanations of these motivational theories, as well as the encouragement or practice and self reflection during the sessions, viewers will be better equipped to motivate themselves in a way that works for them. The goal of this program is to help viewers to be intrinsically motivated, and work towards goals because they want to.
