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Motivation, Value, and Purpose
Motivation is the main purpose for doing any task; it is the ultimate reason for people’s
behaviors, amenability, and aspirations, (George et al., 2023). Motivation is classified into
extrinsic and intrinsic factors. According to our textbook, extrinsic motivation is performing a
task because we desire to obtain an external benefit or avoid a penalty, while intrinsic motivation
is an internal source, (i.e., contentment or personal enjoyment) (George et al., 2023). Another
powerful factor is grit, which is significantly greater than motivation. Grit is characterized by the
passion, determination, strength, and persistency that one displays while enduring challenges and
hardships during a lengthy period to attain their goals (George et al., 2023). Additionally,
incentive theory, value, and purpose are key contributors to motivation. Incentive theory
suggests that our behaviors are compelled by external rewards or penalties. Value is a person’s
principle of behavior and what they consider important in life. Purpose is the underlying reason
for doing something. Therefore, when striving to attain goals, it appears that all of these elements
are intricately woven together, equally vital, and should all be taken into account.
These concepts are applicable and crucial to various aspects of life. This pertains to me as
I am motivated to earn a degree, and thus my potential grit is demonstrated in studying hard to
receive good grades. Also, my goal is to find a well-paying job upon graduation because I desire
to help others. The incentive theory is relevant to my educational and career ambitions, as it is
being driven by external stimuli. Additionally, possessing this mental strength will be highly
constructive in achieving my educational and career pursuits. When I first began my college
education, the strength of my grit was significantly lower than that of my motivation. However,
as I have advanced in my education, they have both increased greatly and are now equal. Also,
the incentive theory has carried over to other areas of my life, such as planning an effective
exercise program to lose weight and improve overall health. Thus, I am being motivated to act in
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a specific manner in these areas to attain positive results and avoid negative ones. One Biblical
principle that seems applicable here is performing every task to honor the Lord. As stated in
Colossians 3:23, “…whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men…,” (King
James Bible, 1769/2017). This principle pertains to each element of motivation.
Another aspect related to motivation is value. According to George et al. (2023), value is
defined as the importance of a task to an individual, the pleasure and benefits gained, and the
effort, stress, and any chance of failure involved in doing the task. Apparently, value can
potentially influence our behaviors. Thus, whatever we perceive as important will certainly
impact the decisions we make; we should aim to align our value with God’s standards of value.
Also, God explicitly warns us to guard our hearts in all things since it affects everything we do.
As declared in Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he,” (King James Bible,
1769/2017). It is obvious that our hearts shape our value, which in turn influence our motivations
and lead to our action. Purpose is another element of motivation associated with value. We were
specifically created to glorify God through good works (King James Bible, 1769/2017, Ephesians
2:10), but He also promises to help us through them when we call upon Him. As Christians, our
purpose also includes encouraging other believers and seeking to lead the unsaved to Christ,
(King James Bible, 1769/2017, 2 Corinthians 5:20). We must seek God’s wisdom and guidance
in all our purposes.
In conclusion, there are several factors that greatly affect our behavior. What we perceive
as significant, as well as consider the underlying reason, our motivation is deeply impacted.
When motivation is strengthened, our grit increases as well. All of these elements are critical in
determining how we perform our intentions and thereby attaining our goals. Although God has
provided us with practical guidelines concerning these elements, we are still responsible for
