Temporal Motivation Theory

Temporal Motivation Theory (TMT) explains how motivation to complete a task depends on three factors: how soon the deadline is, how tempting the rewards are, and how much effort the task requires. The closer a deadline, the more motivated you feel to finish. If a reward is highly appealing, motivation increases. Conversely, if a task is difficult or unpleasant, motivation may decrease. TMT suggests that people are most motivated when a deadline is near, a reward is attractive, and the effort involved isn't overwhelming. This helps explain why procrastination often occurs when deadlines are far away or rewards seem unattractive.