Hierarchical Nature of Motivation

Early in his life, Harry often acted from introjected motivation. This means doing something to please others or to avoid feeling guilty. For example, in his first years at Hogwarts, Harry wanted to make his friends proud and not let anyone down. He risked getting expelled by sneaking out at night to stop Voldemort from stealing the Sorcerer’s Stone. Deep down, part of his reason was to prove that he belonged in the wizarding world and deserved the admiration he had suddenly received.

Over time, Harry’s reasons became more self-determined. By the middle of the series, he began to act from identified motivation, meaning he valued his goals personally. Fighting Voldemort, protecting others, and mastering defensive spells became things he believed in, not just things others expected of him. When he formed Dumbledore’s Army in The Order of the Phoenix, his goal was not about glory but about preparing others for real danger. This shows how his motives grew more internal and meaningful.

Control Beliefs and Motivation

Another way to understand Harry’s motivation is through secondary control beliefs, which involve trusting forces outside of one’s direct control. Harry’s life was full of situations he could not control: prophecies, fate, and the choices of others, but he learned to focus on what he could do within those limits. For example, he could not stop Voldemort from returning, but he could train, prepare, and protect others. His belief in something bigger than himself, such as Dumbledore’s wisdom, the power of love, or destiny, helped him stay motivated even when outcomes were uncertain.

In contrast, when Harry felt powerless or lacked control, his motivation suffered. During The Order of the Phoenix, when he was isolated at the Dursleys’ house and ignored by his friends, he became frustrated and angry. Once he regained a sense of purpose through teaching others and taking action, his motivation returned. This shows how control beliefs, whether internal or external, played a key role in shaping his persistence.