How to get motivated even when you don’t feel like it | TED-Ed
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
Overview
Added
March 5, 2026
Related situation
Audience
learner
Grade range
Grade 9 (Freshman)–Grade 12 (Senior)
Page kind
Video
Keywords
ted-ed lessons biological bases of behavior consciousness sensation and perception motivation and emotion
Introduction
Understanding Motivation
- Definition: Psychologists define motivation as the desire or impetus to initiate and maintain a specific behavior.
- The Challenge: Motivation is often fickle; even when passionate about a goal or hobby, initiating the necessary actions can be difficult.
- Core Concepts: The lesson explores the interplay between two primary forces:
- Intrinsic Motivation: Internal drive and personal satisfaction.
- Extrinsic Motivation: External rewards or pressures.
- Educational Format: This content is part of a TED-Ed lesson, which includes an animated video, a "Think" section for assessment, and opportunities for users to create their own lessons.
- Production Credits:
- Director: Magali García
- Writer: Shannon Odell
- Narrator: Alexandra Panzer
- Music/Sound: Adam Alexander and Bamm Bamm Wolfgang
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