Cindy Maro
About Dr. Cynthia Maro
Dr. Cynthia Maro is a highly respected Pittsburgh-area veterinarian whose career spans more than 30 years. Her dedication to animal health began in childhood, growing up on a farm where she regularly assisted local veterinarians and learned firsthand how to care for a wide range of animals. From household pets like dogs and cats to barnyard companions such as horses, chickens, ducks, and rabbits, these early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong calling.
Throughout her professional journey, Cindy Maro has established multiple thriving veterinary practices, including Ellwood Animal Hospital, College Hill Animal Clinic, Center Animal Clinic, Chippewa Animal Hospital, and Cranberry Holistic Pet Care. Beyond her work in clinical settings, she remains deeply involved in the broader veterinary community. She has contributed to numerous industry publications, served as an expert witness, mentored emerging veterinary professionals, and supported local humane societies in Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties through fundraising and advocacy.
Cynthia Maro is also an active leader in holistic veterinary medicine. She is a current member of the American Holistic Veterinary Association’s COE Board and has previously served on the boards of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Advisory Board, and various local school and nursing home pet-visitation initiatives.
Known for her forward-thinking approach, Dr. Maro continuously seeks innovative ways to improve health outcomes for animals of all species. Even after decades in practice, she still finds profound joy in witnessing the relief and gratitude of pet owners when their animals begin to heal and thrive. Her clinics are recognized for their high standards, advanced veterinary technology, and supportive team culture, all reflecting her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care to every patient who walks, trots, or waddles through the door.
The Psychology of Motivation: Why We Start and Why We Stop
Motivation is one of the most discussed yet misunderstood forces in human behavior. It drives us to begin new projects, pursue personal growth, and strive for excellence. Yet it is also notoriously fickle, appearing in bursts, fading without warning, and often leaving us struggling to understand why something that once felt exciting now feels like an obligation. To better navigate these cycles, it’s essential to understand what motivation truly is, why it fluctuates, and how to cultivate the kind of drive that endures.
At its core, motivation is the set of internal and external forces that initiate, sustain, or stop a behavior. Psychologists have spent decades studying these forces, uncovering patterns that reveal not just how we stay motivated but why we sometimes abandon our goals. Dr. Cynthia Maro emphasizes that by exploring the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, examining evidence-based goal-setting strategies, and learning how to stay committed to long-term projects, we can better harness motivation in our daily lives.
Understanding Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
In psychology, motivation is typically grouped into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Although both can be powerful, Cindy Maro explains that they influence behavior in very different ways.
Intrinsic Motivation: The Internal Drive
Intrinsic motivation arises from within. When we are intrinsically motivated, we engage in an activity because it brings satisfaction, joy, curiosity, or personal fulfillment. It is self-sustaining and deeply connected to our identity.
Examples of intrinsic motivation include:
- Reading because you love learning.
- Taking up a hobby because it brings you peace.
- Working on a project because it aligns with your values.
Intrinsic motivation tends to produce longer-lasting engagement and deeper satisfaction. It also fosters creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of autonomy. Because it comes from within, it doesn’t rely on external rewards or praise to persist.
Extrinsic Motivation: The External Push
Extrinsic motivation, in contrast, comes from the outside. Cynthia Maro explains that it is driven by rewards, recognition, deadlines, or expectations.
Examples of extrinsic motivators include:
- Working for a paycheck.
- Exercising to earn rewards in a fitness app.
- Completing a task to avoid criticism or negative consequences.
Extrinsic motivation is not “bad”; in fact, it’s a necessary part of life. Many responsibilities would go unfulfilled without it. However, Cindy Maro understands that challenges arise when extrinsic motivation replaces or overshadows intrinsic motivation, a phenomenon called the over justification effect, where external rewards can diminish one’s internal interest.
The key is balance. When used intentionally, extrinsic motivators can serve as helpful boosts, especially for tasks that are necessary but not inherently enjoyable. But for long-term commitment, intrinsic motivation is usually required.
Why We Start Strong and Why We Fade
Most people begin projects with a burst of energy. This initial surge is often fueled by novelty, optimism, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. But as the novelty fades, challenges arise, and real effort becomes required, motivation often dips.
Dr. Cynthia Maro shares some psychological reasons we start and stop:
1. The “Novelty Effect” Wears Off
New goals feel exciting because our brains love novelty—it releases dopamine, making us feel energized and hopeful. Once the newness fades, motivation naturally declines.
2. We Underestimate the Effort Required
Psychologists call this the planning fallacy: our tendency to assume goals will be easier or faster to accomplish than they truly are. When reality hits, discouragement follows.
3. Lack of Immediate Rewards
Long-term goals often require consistent effort with delayed gratification. Humans are wired to prefer the now over the later, making it difficult to persist when results aren’t immediate.
4. Misalignment Between Values and Goals
If a goal is extrinsically motivated—or chosen to meet others’ expectations—it will almost always be harder to sustain. Goals that align with personal values have a greater chance of long-term success.
5. Emotional Barriers and Self-Doubt
Fear of failure, perfectionism, or lack of confidence can derail motivation even when our intentions are strong. These emotional obstacles often masquerade as procrastination.
Goal-Setting Strategies That Support Real Progress
Motivation can’t rely on willpower alone. To stay committed, we need structure, clarity, and psychological reinforcement. These evidence-based goal-setting methods can help:
Set Specific, Measurable Goals
Ambiguous goals like “get fit” or “write more” fail because they lack direction. Specific goals, “write 500 words a day” or “exercise for 30 minutes”, give structure and clarity.
Break Big Goals into Smaller Milestones
Large goals can feel overwhelming. Breaking them into smaller, more manageable tasks creates momentum and builds confidence.
Use the “Why Stack” Method
Asking why repeatedly (five times is standard) helps uncover deeper purpose. When goals connect to personal meaning, intrinsic motivation increases.
Track Progress Visually
Whether through apps, journals, or simple checklists, visual tracking reinforces accomplishment and makes long-term progress easier to see, boosting dopamine and motivation.
Focus on Systems, Not Just Outcomes
As James Clear famously states, “You do not rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.” Systems are daily habits that make goals achievable.
Build in Rewards Strategically
Small, meaningful rewards reinforce effort and add elements of extrinsic motivation that support, not replace, internal drive.
How to Stay Committed to Long-Term Projects
Staying motivated for the long haul requires more than inspiration. Cindy Maro explains that it requires strategy.
1. Prepare for the Motivation Dip
Knowing that motivation will decline helps you avoid interpreting the dip as failure. Expecting it makes it easier to navigate.
2. Make Habits Your Foundation
Consistency beats intensity. Even small, daily actions compound over time and help sustain forward momentum.
3. Create Accountability
Whether through a friend, a mentor, or a community, accountability provides structure and support when motivation wanes.
4. Reconnect With Your “Why” Regularly
Revisiting the deeper purpose behind your goal helps reignite intrinsic motivation and ensures your efforts remain aligned with your values.
5. Adjust, Don’t Abandon
If you hit challenges or your goal evolves, adapt your strategy. Flexibility allows you to keep moving instead of giving up entirely.
Motivation is not a constant force; it ebbs and flows, influenced by psychology, personal values, environment, and energy levels. Understanding how motivation works allows us to take control of it rather than letting it dictate our actions. Dr. Cynthia Maro emphasizes that by balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, setting meaningful and structured goals, and preparing for the inevitable dips in enthusiasm, we can stay committed to long-term projects and create lasting change.
Motivation will always fluctuate, but with the right strategies, your progress doesn’t have to.