Editing Motivation (section)

== Components and stages ==
Motivation is a complex phenomenon that is often analyzed in terms of different components and stages. Components are aspects that different motivational states have in common. Often-discussed components are direction, [[Motivational intensity|intensity]], and persistence. Stages or phases are temporal parts of how motivation unfolds over time, like the initial [[goal-setting]] stage in contrast to the following goal-striving stage.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Armstrong|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=D78K7QIdR3UC&pg=PA252 252]}} |2={{harvnb|Abernethy|2005|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=w-FlXA8p7vQC&pg=PA281 281]}} |3={{harvnb|Dörnyei|Henry|Muir|2015|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=a8pmCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA26 26]}} |4={{harvnb|Kanfer|Chen|Pritchard|2008|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Q7Hou19LKxAC&pg=PT349 349]}} }}</ref>

A closely related issue concerns the different types of [[Mental state|mental phenomena]] that are responsible for motivation, like [[desire]]s, [[belief]]s, and rational deliberation. Some theorists hold that a desire to do something is an essential part of all motivational states. This view is based on the idea that the desire to do something justifies the effort to engage in this activity.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Framarin|2008|p=121}} |2={{harvnb|Mele|1995|pp=387, 398–399}} }}</ref> However, this view is not generally accepted and it has been suggested that at least in some cases, actions are motivated by other mental phenomena, like beliefs or rational deliberation.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Mele|2003|p=29}} |2={{harvnb|Framarin|2008|p=121}} }}</ref> For example, a person may be motivated to undergo a painful [[root canal treatment]] because they conclude that it is a necessary thing to do even though they do not actively desire it.<ref>{{harvnb|Mele|2003|p=29}}</ref>

=== Components ===
Motivation is sometimes discussed in terms of three main components: direction, intensity, and persistence. Direction refers to the goal people choose. It is the objective in which they decide to invest their energy. For example, if one roommate decides to go to the movies while the other visits a party, they both have motivation but their motivational states differ in regard to the direction they pursue.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Abernethy|2005|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=w-FlXA8p7vQC&pg=PA281 281]}} |2={{harvnb|Weiner|Schmitt|Highhouse|2012|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Z_Iay338rosC&pg=PA311 311–312]}} |3={{harvnb|Nicholson|1998|loc=Motivation|p=330}} }}</ref> The pursued objective often forms part of a hierarchy of means-end relationships. This implies that several steps or lower-level goals may have to be fulfilled to reach a higher-level goal. For example, to achieve the higher-level goal of writing a complete article, one needs to realize different lower-level goals, like writing different sections of the article.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Weiner|Schmitt|Highhouse|2012|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Z_Iay338rosC&pg=PA314 314]}} |2={{harvnb|Reynolds|Olson|2001|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=kjB5AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA418 418]}} }}</ref> Some goals are specific, like reducing one's weight by 3&nbsp;kg, while others are non-specific, like losing as much weight as possible. Specific goals often affect motivation and performance positively by making it easier to plan and track progress.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Klein|Whitener|Ilgen|1990|pp=179–180, 189}} | {{harvnb|Wallace|Etkin|2018|pp=1033–1036}} }}</ref>

The goal belongs to the individual's motivational reason and explains why they favor an action and engage in it. Motivational reasons contrast with normative reasons, which are facts that determine what should be done or why a course of action is objectively good. Motivational reasons can be in tune with normative reasons but this is not always the case.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Harrison|2018|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=AfZeDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA4 4–6]}} |2={{harvnb|Alvarez|2017|loc=lead section, §2. Normative Reasons, §3.1 Motivating Reasons}} |3={{harvnb|Timpe|2013|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=HYrFAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA22 22]}} }}</ref> For example, if a cake is poisoned then this is a normative reason for the host not to offer it to their guests. But if they are not aware of the poison then politeness may be their motivating reason to offer it.<ref>{{harvnb|Alvarez|2017|loc=§2. Normative Reasons}}</ref>

The intensity of motivation corresponds to how much energy someone is willing to invest into a particular task. For instance, two athletes engaging in the same drill have the same direction but differ concerning the motivational intensity if one gives their best while the other only puts in minimal effort.<ref name="auto6">{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Abernethy|2005|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=w-FlXA8p7vQC&pg=PA281 281]}} |2={{harvnb|Nicholson|1998|loc=Motivation|p=330}} |3={{harvnb|Weiner|Schmitt|Highhouse|2012|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Z_Iay338rosC&pg=PA311 311–312]}} }}</ref> Some theorists use the term "effort" rather than "intensity" for this component.<ref>{{harvnb|Armstrong|2006|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=D78K7QIdR3UC&pg=PA252 252]}}</ref>

The strength of a motivational state also affects whether it is translated into action. One theory states that different motivational states compete with each other and that only the behavior with the highest net force of motivation is put into action.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Mele|2003|pp=162–163}} |2={{harvnb|McCann|1995|pp=571–573}} }}</ref> However, it is controversial whether this is always true. For example, it has been suggested that in cases of rational deliberation, it may be possible to act against one's strongest motive.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|McCann|1995|pp=576, 582–583}} |2={{harvnb|Mele|2005|p=246}} |3={{harvnb|Ewing|2013|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Wbn7AQAAQBAJ&pg=PA175 175]}} |4={{harvnb|Ewing|1934|pp=[https://www.jstor.org/stable/27901421 126–127]}} }}</ref> Another problem is that this view may lead to a form of [[determinism]] that denies the existence of [[free will]].<ref>{{harvnb|Looper|2020|pp=1347–1348, 1359–1360}}</ref>

Persistence is the long-term component of motivation and refers to how long an individual engages in an activity. A high level of motivational persistence manifests itself in a sustained dedication over time.<ref name="auto6"/> The motivational persistence in relation to the chosen goal contrasts with flexibility on the level of the means: individuals may adjust their approach and try different strategies on the level of the means to reach a pursued end. This way, individuals can adapt to changes in the physical and social environment that affect the effectiveness of previously chosen means.<ref>{{harvnb|Shah|Gardner|2013|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=5f9OAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA154 154]}}</ref>

The components of motivation can be understood in analogy to the allocation of limited resources: direction, intensity, and persistence determine where to allocate energy, how much of it, and for how long.<ref>{{harvnb|Weiner|Schmitt|Highhouse|2012|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Z_Iay338rosC&pg=PA311 311–312]}}</ref> For effective action, it is usually relevant to have the right form of motivation on all three levels: to pursue an appropriate goal with the required intensity and persistence.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Abernethy|2005|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=w-FlXA8p7vQC&pg=PA281 281]}} |2={{harvnb|Nicholson|1998|loc=Motivation|p=330}} }}</ref>

=== Stages ===
The process of motivation is commonly divided into two stages: goal-setting and goal-striving.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Fiske|Gilbert|Lindzey|2010|pp=270}} |2={{harvnb|Weiner|Schmitt|Highhouse|2012|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Z_Iay338rosC&pg=PA312 312]}} |3={{harvnb|Dörnyei|Henry|Muir|2015|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=a8pmCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA26 26]}} |4={{harvnb|Kanfer|Chen|Pritchard|2008|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Q7Hou19LKxAC&pg=PT349 349]}} }}</ref> Goal-setting is the phase in which the direction of motivation is determined. It involves considering the reasons for and against different courses of action and then committing oneself to a goal one aims to achieve.  The goal-setting process by itself does not ensure that the plan is carried out. This happens in the goal-striving stage, in which the individual tries to implement the plan. It starts with the initiation of the action and includes putting in effort and trying different strategies to succeed.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Weiner|Schmitt|Highhouse|2012|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Z_Iay338rosC&pg=PA312 312]}} |2={{harvnb|Fiske|Gilbert|Lindzey|2010|pp=270, 281}} |3={{harvnb|Dörnyei|Henry|Muir|2015|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=a8pmCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA26 26–27]}} |4={{harvnb|Kanfer|Chen|Pritchard|2008|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Q7Hou19LKxAC&pg=PT349 349]}} }}</ref> Various difficulties can arise in this phase. The individual has to muster the initiative to get started with the goal-directed behavior and stay committed even when faced with obstacles without giving in to [[distraction]]s. They also need to ensure that the chosen means are effective and that they do not overexert themselves.
<ref>{{harvnb|Dörnyei|Henry|Muir|2015|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=a8pmCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA26 26–27]}}</ref>

Goal-setting and goal-striving are usually understood as distinct stages but they can be intertwined in various ways. Depending on the performance during the striving phase, the individual may adjust their goal. For example, if the performance is worse than expected, they may lower their goals. This can go hand in hand with adjusting the effort invested in the activity.<ref>{{multiref |1={{harvnb|Weiner|Schmitt|Highhouse|2012|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Z_Iay338rosC&pg=PA313 313]}} |2={{harvnb|Dörnyei|Henry|Muir|2015|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=a8pmCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA26 26]}} }}</ref> Emotional states affect how goals are set and which goals are prioritized. Positive emotions are associated with optimism about the value of a goal and create a tendency to seek positive outcomes. Negative emotions are associated with a more pessimistic outlook and tend to lead to the avoidance of bad outcomes.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Lochner|2016|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=SwJTCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA96 96–97]}} | {{harvnb|Plemmons|Weiss|2013|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=UDgKbOkYbEgC&pg=PA123 123]}} }}</ref>

Some theorists have suggested further phases. For example, psychologist Barry J. Zimmerman includes an additional [[self-reflection]] phase after the performance. A further approach is to distinguish two parts of the [[planning]]: the first part consists in choosing a goal while the second part is about planning how to realize this goal.<ref>{{harvnb|Kanfer|Chen|Pritchard|2008|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Q7Hou19LKxAC&pg=PT349 349]}}</ref>