How to get motivated even when you don’t feel like it

Explore the psychology of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and dig into how these forces contribute to our drive.

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Motivation is complicated. Psychologists define motivation as the desire or impetus to initiate and maintain a particular behavior. But sometimes, no matter how passionate you are about a goal or hobby, finding the motivation to actually do it can be difficult. Why is motivation so fickle? Explore intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and dig into how these forces contribute to our drive.

Directed by Magali García.

This video made possible in collaboration with Character Lab

A special thanks to Ayelet Fishbach who provided information and insights for the development of this video.

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[PLScypion]

3:48 like wanting to do dishes/chores on your own but losing all motivation the instant someone asks you to do it when you were just about to do it right now.

[LiveLaughLocklyle]

Personally, lack of motivation is never higher than the day after New Year’s. Well played, TED-Ed.

[bradens.]

it's important to note that if you have forms of mental illness or neurodivergence, your executive functioning and thus motivation to do nearly anything can be severely inhibited to the extent of it being debilitating. sometimes having the energy to simply eat lunch or watch a show you love just doesn't exist. to anyone who does struggle with it, i wish you good luck, there are ways to cope and you will be okay

[ReadySteadyStrong]

As a Personal Trainer this resonates strongly! I read that over time, your motivation changes as the task becomes a bigger part of your identity. If you see yourself as a "gym person", you're more likely to go. If you pride yourself on doing the laundry on time, you're more likely to do the laundry. So if you can stick at your new habit for long enough, it might actually become easier to motivate for it :)

[J.o.s.h.u.a.]

I rarely comment, but I feel compelled because this hits close to home. Finding the motivation to do things is the hardest thing for me and unfortunately I have an unhealthy tendency of procrastinating. My biggest hobby is writing and I'd love to become an author one day, but my depression takes away all of my energy and motivation, even for the things I actually enjoy. It's frustrating because then I procrastinate and end up doing nothing and yet I feel constantly tired and frustrated at the whole situation. I hope I can tame my depression enough for my motivation and my energy to increase more frequently.

[johanliebrt]

"Motivation Is temporary Discipline is Permanent" ~A Legend

[elbean]

Love the animation on this one! I have so much respect and appreciation for animators! They’re truly hidden stars.

[isabelle]

This is timely. Early and thank you. I just started adding exercise in my daily routine and I’m starting to love and live it. I hope I don’t lose my drive. Wish me luck

[avevee]

Grad school is an exercise in self motivation

[themathewjacob]

Can we all take a moment to appreciate how great the animation is?

It is soooo good, that I stopped listening to the audio and just watched the video alone. 😅

[nitiaba]

This video showed up right on time... I'm a PhD student in final months of my studies and I feel very unmotivated to do the task of finishing my writing bit. It's the pressure of it being perfect that makes the task even more daunting for me. I've enjoyed every bit of my work except this. I might have to add an extrinsic factor to finish it because intrinsic motivation is just not enough for me. Thanks TED-Ed❤

[proprgent]

Sometimes it might feel like there is an emotional barrier or discomfort when you think about a goal. Something that might help the process, would be to allow or embrace the sensation of that discomfort. Generally, allowing it can help it to dissipate. To then get back to a more content state. Like amor fati, or radical acceptance, or Jocko saying, "...grrrrooood, " by observing and allowing the literal physiological sensations of the emotion to pass by. If you can help it

[cinemartin]

When I think about my life, I feel that I am extremely dependent on motivation. I feel the need to work as a courier to earn money, and I also want to develop in the fine arts to express myself. Each of these things requires a different kind of motivation, but I don’t always manage to maintain it for a long time after encountering difficulties. However, now I understand that the goal should not be the result, but the road to it, and I should do everything to make it as pleasant as possible. Thank you for trying to make our lives better 🤗

[sade]

"you're more likely to do stuff you enjoy" groundbreaking stuff folks

[damacz]

Oh thanks!!! This came out just in time, I've been watching your videos on how to study several times due to 2 final oral tests I have to face before becoming a lawyer and since I'm working right now, sometimes I'm simply tired to study, but majority of times I recognize I'm feeling demotivated, hopefully I will find activities to implement in my study sessions

[thelearner]

The single advice I found most useful for self improvement is to maintain a routine, so that you do not need to think every day about whether you want or when to do a task, which itself is a rather consuming task.

[bryandarrylcastillano]

It start in motivation, and end up in discipline. Trust the process

[tompegorinno]

This is what we need to start this year.

[Kayla-ehfb]

Its so hard for me to be motivated, even if its something I want to do or should do. I find that when you lack motivation it also turns into procrastination. You wait until the very last to get things done. Really enjoyed watching.

[AnikaChandra-lntt]

Honestly this video is actually very helpful! I myself often listen to music while drawing if I’m not feeling motivated and sharing this information can help a lot of people! Thank you for making this video, I learned a lot and I love the new animation style!