The Psychology of Motivation – Dr Raj Persaud

Strong motivation has to be part of any formula for achieving what you want in life. In this talk, Dr Raj Persaud will reveal the surprising science at the heart of motivation that can take you across the finishing line – no matter where that might be. To be compelled by a forceful drive is vital for a life worth living. It’s the key tool you need for achieving your goals. But beyond that, above all its material benefits, motivation is advantageous because at a spiritual or transcendent level, it brings real meaning to our lives.

However, motivation also has a dark side that can drive us to the deepest despair in the face of disappointment. The clinically depressed and suicidal are often the casualties of failed aspiration. Dr Persaud will examine this issue in the talk, and suggest ways of avoiding the pitfalls associated with a strong sense of being impelled forward. The key is to be in charge of your motivation, rather than for it to be in control of you.

So, motivation is clearly a psychological conundrum because on the one hand it can take us towards what is most meaningful to us in life, but on the other, it can plunge us into the abyss of hopelessness when we encounter setbacks.

I contend in this talk that the answer to the conundrum won’t come from motivational gurus, but instead lies firmly in the scientific study of the psyche.

Dr Raj Persaud is a Consultant Psychiatrist who has worked at some of the leading teaching, research and clinical institutions in psychiatry in Europe and the USA, including; the Bethlem Royal and Maudsley NHS Hospitals in London, and the Institute of Psychiatry, University of London. He is a fellow of The University College London, and has been a Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the USA and the Institute of Neurology at Queens Square.

Unusually for a psychiatrist, Dr Persaud also holds a degree in psychology has been awarded over 8 degrees and diplomas including a Masters in Statistics. He has been awarded the Royal College of Psychiatrists Research Medal, The Maudsley Hospital’s Denis Hill Prize and the Osler Medal.

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[Ozgipsy]

I read his first book some 20+ years ago. This entire clip is a planned and scheduled, well timed series of set piece elements.

He’s that good.

[reececoker]

Motivation could be viewed as the amount of hope, and or fear perceived in the pursuit of move away from and move towards goals. Essentially fear (pushing) and hope (pulling)....I posit that the lack of honesty and ownership towards said goals also amounts to our courage quotient! It takes courage to hope, it takes courage to move forwards under the weight of fear!
Hope and fear are at the root of motivation. I suggest that you cannot begin to understand this until you understand the origin and purpose of hope and fear, and their polarity. Which is the better motivator? Fear is better at overcoming inertia, but it wasnt designed to be felt as a long term state. Hope is designed for the long term, and for direction. Hope is a lighthouse in this respect! We hope vaguely and fear precisely! Positive Psychology is the domain that studies these complex emotions and states scientifically. It bridges philosophy and psychology. Entertaining talk. I expected more science, philosophy and debate though...

[diestudentin]

Oh wow, the first Psychotherapist using movies to explain psychological theories instead of showing power point presentations with complicated figures. I love it.

[Ozgipsy]

That’s so true. We know exactly why they want to be PM, for example.

They know it too, then we play this “be polite” game in interviews and discussions.

[lulupatrick]

Congratulation whatever you do don’t lose it

[namtran]

Excellent Content Doctor! Please keep talking and posting.

[tsunami]

psychology class bringing me here bruh

[Alkis]

This guy is a very good speaker and seems like a nice person to chat with. But this video was pretty useless to me for understanding the psychology of motivation.

More over, about the internal and external thing. I agree that people might have a predisposition about to think their success has to do with their own actions or with the circumstances. What he fail to account for is that besides what are our opinions, there is a reality. And the reality of the circumstances that the new generations live in is different than what older generations lived in. Also, there is a ideology, that is party of the meritocratic ideal, that hard work is rewarded with success and successful people achieved it mainly through their own actions. Well, when you have an ideology that is now in conflict with reality in such a way you can't hide it anymore, people start to not adhere to it anymore. And worse, things are not going to get better anytime soon now.
More over, he fails to mention the detriments of having the expectations of being successful by your own hands when the circumstances don't allow for it and you incorrectly take responsibilities for things that were truly out of your control. It brings unnecessary and unescapable guilt.

Ultimately motivation has nothing to do with being external or internal. Because for the external, even if he believes that the circumstances are predominantly responsible for success or failure, he can still change the circunstances he put himself into. Maybe he did nothing wrong in that interview and failed anyway, but if he tries again in another company (ie. another circunstance) he will achieve what he wants. The important thing is to have self criticism and despite your own tendencies, try to have a honest view of when your failure and success is predominantly something you need to change on yourself or with you need to find a better environment where you can thrive.

[EricOutler]

After ten minutes, I'm stopping this. I got nothing from. Just a bunch of fast talking mumbo jumbo and NOTHING about the psychology of motivation.

[futures]

how embarrassing a presentation by a practitioner of dangerous pseudoscience. Typical over confidence and hubris - I feel sorry for those paying a fortune to see him.