A Study To Help Humans Regain Enthusiasm In The Middle Of A Pandemic

Photo illustration (Tony Tran/Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The pandemic has shaken many aspects of human life, even their motivation, which has declined considerably. A study finds ways to help humans revive their motivation. At least, it's a matter of how to start a positive spirit, even when it seems we have tried everything.

In simple terms, motivation is related to our desire to get something. When we take action to get it, we get "intrinsic". Some scientists believe intrinsic motivation decreases when key aspects, such as autonomy, competence, and relationships, are compromised.

This can be explained by the theory of "Self-Determination". Pandemics have a major impact on the three key aspects above. COVID-19 has made us lose control of our daily lives. Some have lost their jobs.

Or for those who are still working, not a few have lost their effectiveness. It affects our competency capabilities. And social distancing and locks, openly cause serious tension in human relations.

"Hope and desire for positive change help us keep looking forward. But we can also fool ourselves into thinking that things can change very quickly," said Lynn Bufka, Senior Director at the American Psychological Association, quoted by the BBC.

In other words, we can try to find positive things about the future. But it can also make us disappointed when hope doesn't pay off. However, it all depends on your thoughts, where you want to take them.

Bufka said, "We need to change our current situation." We also need to find a place where we can control, however small.

Strength in those small victories has long been associated with increased motivation. Apart from that, improvising in our daily routine can also help. Again, no matter how small.

"You can cook something new for dinner, take a walk in a new environment, or start learning something new, like a foreign language," says Elizabeth Grace Saunders, a writer and time management coach.

"Even small changes can give you the feeling that you are doing the things you love and your needs are important."

Focus on anxiety

Gabriele Oettingen, professor of psychology at New York University says there are ways to fight boredom by choosing something you want to achieve. In addition, we also need and identify the barriers that get in the way.

"You can't do anything about the big picture, but you can fill your time in a purposeful way," she said.

Oettingen is the creator of the famous "WOOP" method. This motivational technique stands for "Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan". "You think about the 'want' you want to achieve, imagine the outcome, identify obstacles, and then make a plan."

Oettingen provides an example. For example, when we feel a pandemic has made our fitness plummet. From that anxiety, you will find ways to handle it. Maybe we take the option of jogging for 30 minutes every day.

Whatever it is. Most importantly, stay positive and identify the problems we find inside ourselves during a pandemic. And most importantly, find a way out.

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