Love as a Source of Motivation and Energy

Love as a Source of Motivation and Energy
Adriana Díez

Written and verified by the psychologist Adriana Díez.

Last update: 21 December, 2022

We all know that love heals all. It has the power to give you a new vision of the future. When you love someone and that person feels loved, a feeling of mutual acceptance and trust is born. It creates a very special motivation to give your best and be a better person. Love, as a source of motivation and energy, transforms us into a better version of ourselves.

Being loved makes you feel safe; it gives you a reason to believe in yourself. Unconditional love starts an engine inside you, opening all kinds of doors. Being loved is so good for your well-being since it means that someone appreciates you just the way you are.

“Love is the recognition of the potential of a loved one, and it acts as a transforming energy. The gaze and love of another person give us life and help us transform.”
-Elsa Punset-

Love gives you life and makes you shine. Love enables you to reach your potential. It makes you a better person. And it’s not just romantic love that has the ability to revitalize. For example, the love parents have for their children also feeds their confidence and self-esteem.

The brains of those who experience and express love

The lymbic system of the brain

When you show love, you’re giving someone a wonderful sense of peace and security. You trust that he or she will reciprocate and not project fear or distrust. When you give love, you’re really giving someone self-esteem. Why? Because of the sense of tranquility and belonging that you create.

What actually happens in your brain when you’re in love? With neuroimaging techniques, Andreas Bartels and Semir Zeki from University College London conducted a study in which they observed the brain activity of several subjects as they looked at pictures of their loved ones and friends. The purpose was to study and compare differences in brain activity.

They discovered that when you fall in love or feel love for your children, you disconnect the parts of your brain that are related to other emotions, especially your capacity for social criticism. When you look at a loved one, parts of the prefrontal cortex get disconnected.

The same thing happens with certain areas of the brain related to aggression, fear, and planning. It affects your judgment. You tend to trust more easily and be less strict when it comes to your social assessments. We could say that your brain is programmed to see the good in others when you’re in love.

Love as a source of motivation to become a better person

The scientific community says that “human attachment employs a push-pull mechanism which overcomes social distance by deactivating networks used for negative emotions and critical social assessment. It also bonds individuals through reward circuitry, explaining the power of love as a source of motivation and enthusiasm.”

A man is sleeping with a baby, love as a source of motivation.

This is why we can say that love makes us better people. Love gives you the strength to face new challenges, since it gives you someone by your side who trusts you. It gives you power to move forward and keep striving.

Through love, you have the opportunity to have the same effect in the other person. Therefore, when you spread love, you’re projecting the best of yourself to them. Both loving and being loved gives you the opportunity to improve and become more confident in yourself. What are you waiting for? Start loving!


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.