The key to motivation in sport

How can the power of our minds instil power in our bodies?

Motivation is all about change. More often than not, the best feelings and rewards come to people who have earned them. How can we push ourselves to explore the limits of our abilities? And when we reach the boundary of our comfort zones, how can we strive to widen its circumference?

The key to achieving this centres around motivation. Motivation is any behaviour that is persistent and goal-directed.

Motivation plays a huge part in sport and exercise. Some people fall in love with a sport the moment they try it. Whether it’s the thrill that comes from adrenaline sports, or the satisfaction and pride that is felt when improving at a specific skill, sport can make us feel good. For others, the main appeal to sport is the experience at the end.

The accomplishment at winning something and being awarded the title of best can not only boost someone’s confidence, but make them feel addicted to winning. It can also inspire motivation. If you’ve achieved something once, why can’t you replicate it next time? Knowing the possibilities is likely to make someone work even harder.

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A motivated brain

What is the science behind this drive?

Motivation is all about the brain’s ability to predict reward. As you cross the finish line first, score the winning try on the rugby field or achieve your first hole-in-one on the golf course, your brain releases high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. For this reason, dopamine is often referred to as the feel-good chemical, but it is actually released before this point. Dopamine is one of the driving factors in your body’s biological motivation.

Take the first example. You have crossed the finish line of a running race in first place. But, what happened beforehand? As you stand on the start line, your eyes and other sensory organs send information to your brain to tell it you are at the beginning of a race. Your brain will begin to release dopamine at this point.

Next, dopamine sends a signal to a part of your brain called the nucleus accumbens. This area of the brain is responsible for triggering reward behaviour. Think of it as a sports coach. Just like the person who tries to lead you onto the right path to success, this part of your brain is an expert. It learns about the different stimuli, and which will result in a good outcome.