Sources of Motivation to Pursue Goal of Losing Weight

Obesity
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Obesity
Introduction
Motivational drives may be psychological or physiologically induced, thus influencing the ambitions of individuals. However, an often overlooked aspect is that some drives may be acquired. These drives are even more unnoticeable when socially induced. I recently took a holiday in Bali. However, throughout an escapade that should have been fun, I noticed that I was constantly worried about my weight. I also gained weight significantly after the vacation, worsening my anxiety about remaining lean. This fear has progressively worsened over the years, thus necessitating scrutiny of extrinsic sources of the perspective. Scholars have successfully conceptualized these notions, thus making commendable recommendations to affected individuals (Sheldon & Prentice, 2019). Overall, it is certain that my enthusiasm for losing weight is socially acquired and that societal norms and perspectives exacerbate it.
Sources of Motivation to Pursue My Goal
I believe that my motivation is primarily extrinsic. Sheldon & Prentice (2019) define extrinsic motivation as ambitions propagated by environmental incentives and consequences (Ryan and Deci, 2020). These motivations are generated in our social environment. I was determined to maintain a lean body type as I was constantly teased for being overweight during my childhood. The cognitive evaluation theory best presents this influence. The theory insists that external factors have informational and controlling aspects. The key objectives of these aspects are to a person's behavior or offer feedback on a person's competence. Embarrassing comments about weight have extensive psychological implications (Puhl, Himmelstein, & Pearl, 2020). Besides, the desire to fit in creates a psychological drive that motivates an individual to lose weight. This conscious belief to conform to societal norms and perspectives has been a key factor determining my weight-loss journey. Physiologically, I am not convinced that the extra weight has any detrimental effects on my health. While on holiday, I enjoyed the food and was comfortable with my overall weight. However, the unfortunate and embarrassing comments about my weight while in my childhood continued to push me to lose weight.
The Quality of My Motivation
I believe that my motivation stems from a socially acquired need. Acquired needs emanate from our external environment. Key examples include praise and competition. The two key aspects perfectly sum up the quality of my motivation. On the one hand, I am determined to be praised by my peers for having an acceptable body weight (Riley & Riley, 2020). On the other hand, I am striving to attain the most appealing body type of my peers. Though I believe my motivation is primarily from my peers, I am also convinced that the media plays a central role in invoking such notions in society. Over the years, there has been an unrelenting need to strive for supermodel bodies. The media has created a notion that despises individuals who are overweight. The Drive Theory best presents this source of motivation. Clark Hull and Kenneth Spence envisioned that physiological deficits and deprivations often invoke biological needs that push animals to act. Though the primary source of my motivation is psychological and not necessarily physiological, the two scholars affirm that drives may also be psychological (Haqq et al., 2021). Put into perspective, and a drive involves a psychological and conscious manifestation of a biological need that is unconscious.
Notable Changes in My Motivation
Rather than empower my self-efficacy, the acquired social need has exacerbated my self-doubt. Thus, I have consistently doubted my competence in issues beyond my weight. I have noted a progressive commitment to my motivation over time. Evidence shows that mental and psychological conditions often exacerbate when ignored (Ryan and Deci, 2020). The desire to lose weight is motivated by socially acquired aspects. It is a subconscious desire to fit into society.
On the one hand, successfully losing weight empowers my determination to maintain a lean body as my peers accept me. However, it evokes a sense of emptiness as I am convinced this desire is not from within. On the other hand, failing to lose weight overwhelmingly creates a sense of helpless. Firstly, I am certain that I would be shamed for being overweight and, as a result, avoided by my peers. Secondly, I will be anxious about the imminent mental and psychological implications. This trend will be progressiv...