Momentum and Motivation: Applying Newton’s Laws

Momentum and Motivation: Applying Newton’s Laws

Physics is the mother of science. As such, I believe that psychology should anchor itself in physics. After all, psychology was directly born out of physics. The first psychology research was conducted in the realm of psychophysics: The endeavor to relate changes in subjective perception and sensation in relation to changes in the physical world (e.g., light intensity). Sigmund Freud borrowed the term “psychodynamics” from the world of physics. Dynamics refers to the Newtonian Laws that govern the laws of the physical universe including the laws that govern motion, energy, entropy and so on.

Momentum and Behavior : Applying Newton's laws

Momentum and Behavior : Applying Newton’s laws

One of the most fundamental laws in the realm of Newtonian physics is the law of momentum. Essentially, this states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion (in a given velocity and vector) unless a force of equal or greater intensity is applied. I am of course paraphrasing. This law has major implications for human behavior and motivation. The word motivation itself implies the energy required to produce movement. So, with little introspection we can see that much of our behavior is under the influence of momentum. For example, we clearly fall into patterns of action. It can be stated that much of what we do today is because that is what we did yesterday. Thus, it is easy for us all to “fall into a rut’ or become “creatures of habit”. Conversely, the law of inertia can also be an issue since “…an object at rest tends to stay at rest unless a force is applied”. So the question becomes, how can we increase desireable behaviors and decrease less desireable actions?

We can learn to take advantage of these powerful physical laws. Every task can in reality be viewed as a complex string or chain of behaviors and subtasks. Once we begin to commence any action along this chain, it serves to increase momentum and thus increases the probability of the next behavior or subtask being executed. So for example, let’s say you have a paper due at school, an important step may be to simply get your butt to the library. Once you are at the library, the chances are you will do some work. Once you start doing some work (research, reading), the probability grows that you will continue to do work. Momentum builds. At some point of course, you will actually have to start writing. The hardest part is probably the very first word or paragraph. There is no great trick to get over the initial hump. Probably the famous Nike commercial states it most directly….”Just Do It”. At some point we just have to bite the bullet, dig deep and start. Just write. Once you start, momentum will take over and writing,  probabilistically speaking, will likely continue.

An important point needs to be made here. Never wait for motivation. if you do, you will most likely wait for ever. At 6 am when my alarm rings, I am never motivated to get up and go to the gym. Motivation occurs after the fact. Motivation arises because of what we do. So since going to the gym typically produces feelings of well being, increased energy, vitality and well being, it provides ample reward for the effort and sacrifice. The next time we have the opportunity to go the the gym, we have that memory to draw upon. After a while, it becomes an automatic process. Now, when I am lying in bed, I simply focus on the next task which is getting up and going to the bathroom (TMI?) Once I am out of bed, the likelihood of returning to bed is greatly reduced. I pack all my gym stuff the night before so all I have to do is grab it and get into the car. Once I am in the car, the likelihood is that I will drive to the gym. Once I am at the gym, the likelihood is almost infinite that I will work out. So the trick is, just stay focused on the very next step in the sequence. As I stated in the previous post, when climbing Mt. Everest, don’t look at the summit, just the next step. So its all about probability and momentum. Take the first step, and the likelihood grows that the rest will follow! Having stated the above, it is important to keep in mind that other emotional factors can arise to thwart one’s efforts and progress on an activity or task. Thus, it is often important to employ emotional mindfulness and exposure techniques as outlined in the previous (and other) posts to identify and embrace the “dark emotions” that may lead to avoidance and procrastination.

Please feel free to chime in with comments, insights, personal experiences, objections etc. 

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5 Comments. Leave new

  • Hi Jerry

    I was thinking of a research proposal and during a brainstroming session this topic of the relationship impact between the laws of motion and motivational theory cropped up…decided to google on who has had a similar idea and your artcile cropped up..Great insights and very true..

    Reply
    • mm
      JerryDuvinskyPhD
      November 2, 2013 8:15 am

      Great! Glad you found this useful. Let us know if you come up with a more concrete idea on this topic. I’d love to hear about it. best of luck!

      Reply
  • I was looking at the application of Newtonian laws of motion in psychological phenomenon, especially motivation. while searching for related topics I found this write up. This has helped me a great deal.

    Reply
  • Dear Dr. Duvinsky,
    I’m a psychologist who believes what you mentioned about momentum and motivation 10 years ago, I found that by experience and always has suggested that to my clients and students. As I’ve found it interesting I wanted to choose it for writing a proposal for a phd research.
    I was surfing the google if I can find some evidence or study about that, please let me know if you have done any research about that.
    Good luck

    Reply

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