Self-Efficacy: The Key To Achieving Motivation
Have you ever noticed that sometimes when a task is presented to you, you have no problem jumping in and accomplishing it? Yet, at other times, the task seems daunting, and for some reason, you are having difficulty finding the motivation to begin the task, let alone complete it.
There is a reason that this happens, and it is intertwined with your self-efficacy. Self-efficacy means believing in your ability to succeed when doing a task or attaining a goal. If you have low self-efficacy about a specific task, you may find it hard to have any motivation. That is because these are closely related concepts.
How does self-efficacy affect motivation?
Self-efficacy is a popular research topic in psychology and has been for quite a while. In 1977, Albert Bandura published an article called ‘Self-efficacy: Toward a Unifying Theory of Behavioral Change.’
This illuminating piece explains the power self-efficacy plays on tasks and goals. He states that according to their research, self-efficacy is an accurate predictor of the performance of tasks 85% of the time. If you believe, you achieve.
Our self-efficacy will determine if we even choose to pursue a new task, how we work towards achieving the project, how much effort we put into the assignment, and if and how we will bounce back when we encounter an obstacle on the path to completion.
A high sense of self-efficacy will:
- Allow you to see a new challenge when presented with a task as something to be conquered or overcome
- Allow for a significant amount of interest in the purposed task
- Ensure an abundance of self-confidence
- Encourage perseverance when difficulties arise
A low sense of self-efficacy will:
- Lead to avoidance of a threatening task, something that you will likely fail at
- Decrease the level of commitment you feel towards completing it
- Lower your belief in your abilities
- Increase self-doubt and lower determination
Motivation is the aspiration to achieve a goal. The fuel that you add to the spark helps your fire be blazing. While you can find motivation with low self-efficacy, it comes innately when you have higher self-efficacy.
When you believe you can complete a task, you are naturally more motivated to get the job done because you know you will succeed. There will be no doubt, which can be a paralysing factor when attempting something unfamiliar.
How to obtain more self-efficacy
Self-efficacy is best developed through actually performing a task with success. Take time to identify where you stand and recognise new skills you can work on. Then set small, obtainable goals to get you where you want to be.
Each time you conquer a new ambition, you will gain confidence in yourself and your abilities. This, in turn, will make it apparent that you are a competent person who will intrinsically increase your sense of self-efficacy.
Another effective tool is to observe others who are similar to you and watch how they succeed. This has been shown to increase your sense of aptitude. When you see that something is at least possible, it is easier for you to imagine yourself doing it.
Further, seek out encouragement from others. The higher esteem that you hold for the role model, the better. When you look up to someone, and they give you approval, it is very motivating and can significantly increase your confidence.
If you have realised that you often lack motivation, you may have a low sense of self-efficacy. It is essential to identify ways to evolve this sense so that you will become a more confident, productive person. Believing in yourself is one of the best ways to achieve success and get things done.
