Are You Truly Motivated?
But why do some people jump out of bed raring to pursue their dreams, while others just can’t seem to stay on task? The answer is motivated, but not all motivation is created equal.
Two types are intrinsic motivation (passion and purpose) and extrinsic motivation (rewards and recognition). Understanding the way each one works will help you leverage it and stay inspired, productive, and successful everywhere.
So, what kind of motivation works best? Let’s find out!
What is Intrinsic Motivation? (The Power of Passion)
Intrinsic motivation is an internal desire. It’s when you do something because you truly enjoy doing it or feel that it’s inherently fulfilling or personally meaningful — no external rewards necessary.
Some Examples of Intrinsic Motivation:
✔ Reading a book solely because you enjoy learning.
✔ Working out for the way it makes you feel in your body, feeling strong and healthy.
✔ Writing or painting just for the joy of it.
✔ Trying to learn a new skill because you’re curious, not so you can get a certificate.
It means that you are motivated from the “inside out,” so you don’t need outside pressure or reward —you just enjoy what you do!
What is Extrinsic Motivation? (The Power of Rewords)
Extrinsic motivation, in contrast, originates from outside forces — rewards, recognition, fear of negative consequences or social pressure. It will also not be as gratifying as intrinsic motivation, but it can be yet used to drive performance towards the goals.
Extrinsic Motivation Examples:
✔ Studying to pass an exam or to get a degree.
✔ Putting in extra hours for a promotion, a bonus.
✔ Some people hit the gym just to look sharp at an upcoming event.
✔ Others throw themselves into a sport, all geared up to snag a medal or trophy.
That outside nudge—what many call extrinsic motivation—can really get you moving, especially when the task isn’t something you naturally love. Sometimes, though, if you lean on that external push too much, the spark fades away once the reward is gone.
Which one ends up working best?
It really boils down to what you’re aiming for—whether you tap into that inner drive, or rely on outside incentives, the right choice depends on your own goals.
✅ Pursuing Tasks for Intrinsic Motivation Yields the Best Results in the Long Haul
Causing you to deeply learn, become creative, grow and evolve.
Because with no rewards in play, это helps you keep с consistency running.
Raises joy and satisfaction in life.
✅ Things We Know — Extrinsic Motivation Is Good for Short-Term Goals
It aids you in remaining disciplined in things you don’t find fun.
They offer external motivation to move things further along.
May work well in structured environments such as work or school.
But extrinsic motivation, when applied too much, can kill your interest in an activity in the long run. For instance, if you begin exercising only for rewards, you may feel unmotivated to do so when the rewards are no longer available.
The Optimal Way to Balance Both for Optimal Success.
The most effective way to accomplish this is to utilize both forms of motivation in a way that creates a highly motivated drive. Here is how:
🔥 Make External Rewards Internal for Meaning: Find something of value in what you are doing. Instead of doing it all for money, think of how the work helps you grow, or think about how it helps other people in a positive experience.
🎯 Use Mini Rewards to Your Advantage: It’s perfectly fine to reward yourself for completing difficult tasks, but don’t make the reward the only reason to do something. The goal is to be disciplined and forge consistent habits into the long run.
🚀 Do Your Passion: Follow your passions when you get the opportunity. The more you enjoy your work, or learning, or hobbies you partake in, the higher probability there is that you’ll continue with consistency and motivation.
Conclusion
An appropriate degree of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in life creates a healthy harmony. Intrinsic motivation ignites one’s creativity and passion for the task while extrinsic motivation plays a helpful role with discipline and temporary improvements. The extraordinary trick to achieving lasting success is to strike a balance between the two; use external incentives and rewards when necessary but always strive to create an intrinsic deeper connection with your goals.
Before you continue, ask yourself this question: ‘What do you truly care about?’
If you realize that you can effectively operate from both types of motivation, then you will be unstoppable!
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