Motivation: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

N. Sahin, Ph.D.
3 min readMar 28, 2023

Motivation is a powerful force that drives us to achieve our goals and pursue our dreams. It is the fuel that propels us forward, even when the road ahead seems long and arduous. However, like any tool, motivation can also be misused or misdirected, leading to disappointment and frustration. Here, let’s explore the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of motivation and how to recognize them.

Photo by Tegan Mierle on Unsplash

The Good: When Motivation Takes You Far

There are times when motivation is just what we need to push us to new heights. Here are three scenarios in which motivation can be a game-changer:

1. Competing with Yourself: When you’re striving to improve your own performance, motivation can be a powerful ally. Whether you’re trying to beat your personal best in a sport or learn a new skill, having a strong sense of motivation can help you stay focused and on track.

2. Rewards and Penalties: When there’s something at stake, such as a bonus for meeting a sales target or a penalty for missing a deadline, motivation can be a key factor in achieving success.

3. Quality Over Quantity: When your focus is on producing the best possible work, motivation can help you stay committed to the task at hand. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or musician, having a deep sense of motivation can help you…

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N. Sahin, Ph.D.

Data Scientist, Storyteller, System Biologist, People Analytics expert, And a huge fan of systems thinking, organizational design,