What Motivates You? Part 1
by Jason Colenzo
Motivation is a powerful asset in regards to your overall training. Some days its harder to train than others, but you must make the effort to do the work anyway.
But what exactly does motivate an athlete to reach a pinnacle of achievement?
There are two main types of motivation, and this article will deal with extrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation is derived from the need for competition, or the urge to win. The athlete motivated extrinsically will be pushed by outside forces such as signing bonuses and championship trophies.
Whether people want to admit it or not, chances are they are at least partially motivated extrinsically. Most people have a natural thirst for competition, and desire to win some sort of material award. It’s nice to be able to have people over for coffee and have a trophy case brimming of your accomplishments. It gives you and your guests a talking point which presents you in a positive light.
However, what happens when the extrinsic motivation? What happens when the money is no longer there, are you going to keep up your training? What happens when college is over and your football career fell short of the pros? Are you still going to commit yourself to being stronger than you were the day before even if you don’t have a coach yammering down your throat?
There’s only so much money you could possibly win, and so many trophies you can collect. Sooner or later, the outside factors fade out. You’re left with just your dignity and honor.
Do you keep pushing forward?
