In a figurative representation, motivation is a «carrot» for a donkey. Other than motivation, ways to move the donkey is to use Incentives, Vision of the situation and Organization of life, to evoke the necessary feelings and states.
As Al Capone said, «A kind word and a gun can do more than just a kind word.»
People often complain that they cannot lift themselves up, cannot even force themselves to do what is necessary, complain about the lack of vital energy — and ask: “Where can I find motivation?” Such a question may direct their search in the wrong direction, since motivation may not have anything to do with it. Motivation is one of the main, but not the only driving force of human behavior, only one of the sources of vital energy. The solution may be sometime the transition to the mission mode, sometime — the development of the necessary habits. Sometimes you need to remove the internal blocks, stools and pity, and sometimes you just need to relax.
Motivation is one of the driving forces of human behavior, along with the mission, rational understanding, will, emotions, fears and automatisms. See Inner Feelings and Motivation
Motivation is also one of the ways to influence oneself or others, along with pressure, capture and organization of the situation.
Lack of motivation and bodily attitudes
The lack of motivation is usually suffered by those who live by feelings (sensations) and do not often turn on the head (mind). It is important that they usually do not follow the body, their body becomes lethargic, stooped, unassembled and creates a negative stream of kinesthetic suggestions (“everything is sluggish, nothing is interesting”). Against the background of such dreary eyes and stooped shoulders, any intellectual constructions, conscious verbal suggestions or reading smart books is wasted: conscious attitudes break down before the power of unconscious (bodily) attitudes. What to do? Tell yourself: «Take care of your body» and «Turn on your head.» Then straighten the body, straighten the shoulders, make the eyes collected — and get down to business under the supervision of the head. Everything will work!