MOTIVATION, VALUES, AND PURPOSE
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Essay: Motivation, Values, and Purpose
Hannah Kelley
Liberty University
PSYC-101-D04-General Psychology
Prof. Kristi Starnes
November 24th, 2022
MOTIVATION, VALUES, AND PURPOSE
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Essay: Motivation, Values, and Purpose
Motivation comes from the Latin verb movere, which deals with the consciousness that
prompts us to do something. "Motivation theorists seek to understand why people do certain
things and what initiates or stops behaviors" (George et al., 2021, p. 100).
With motivation, there are two forces: a desire to excel and the fear of failing. Mine is
determined and based on glorifying God in what I do. 2 Peter 1:3 talks about our calling because
His divine power has "granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" (English
Standard Version, 2016).
Education is valuable to me. Not only do I want to excel in my studies and be motivated, but I
also want to achieve my goals in life with the degree I am pursuing to help others. With my
education, I also want to show the love of God to them. My pursuit is a degree in sociology
which gets into social problems. I want to include biblical truth to the best of my ability. Being
motivated to accomplish my education goals requires hard work, also known as self-efficacy, in
that people determine how much time and effort they are willing to put in. "Promoting self-
efficacy is critical for success in education" (George et al., 2021, p. 108).
Our motives are also closely tied to the emotions we deal with, whether they are positive or
negative, as well as being essential. Our values and purposes not only influence us, but they
influence those around us as well. It is what gives meaning to our lives and helps with our self-
identity.
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Values are "determined by the expectation of success" (George et al., 2021, p. 109), with the
value of the reward. Values control our attitude and behavior. It motivates us by determining
what is most important and thus determining our purpose.
When one thinks about purpose, it is an internal force that influences and increases
motivation. "Being part of something larger than yourself might be one of the best things we can
do, both for others and ourselves" (George et al., 2021, p. 7). Purpose has four key steps: things
you love to do, what the world needs, making a living, and stuff you are good at that will bring
glory to God (George et al., 2021, p. 7). It is a blessing to have the ability to engage in work that
"feeds our soul as well as adds important value to the world" (George et al., 2021, p. 7).
Motivation and purpose are why things are done and accomplished because we either desire
to fail or excel in what we do. On the other hand, value is the usefulness and worth of something.
Both, however, help determine what motivates people to do things dealing with consciousness
and behaviors.
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References
al, G. E. (2021). Introduction to Psychology from a Christian Worldview. Kendall Hunt
Publishing. Retrieved from <https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781792472152>
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. 2016. Crossway Bibles.
