Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Motivation: What Drives Us Forward

Ah, the overwhelming weight of life sometimes, am I right? There will be moments when you can’t help but wonder, “How am I to move forward when I don’t feel like moving forward?”

We all wrestle with inaction, procrastination, and exhaustion. But did you know that, sometimes, the antidote isn’t rest? (Of course, that’s also very important.)

On the days when you’ve had enough rest but you still feel drained to do anything, perhaps what you need to address isn’t exhaustion but actually something deeper.

In a study conducted by Gallup, they found out that only 33% of US employees feel engaged in their work. This number drops to 15% when looking at employee disengagement at a global scale.

All of this points to one undeniable truth: there’s an ongoing crisis in managing, improving, and sustaining motivation among professionals. It’s about that that we address that.

What if I told you that there’s a way to tap into your soul? What if you could reignite the burning passion within you and let pure enjoyment and the thrill of the chase drive your day?

Let this article serve as your roadmap to understanding the forces that propel us forward: intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation.

I’ll teach you how to do the things you need to do, even if you don’t initially feel like doing it. Ready to turn your “what ifs” into “even ifs”? Let’s rediscover the joy of doing things.

But First, What Is Motivation?

Some days, you’re Alexander The Great, ready to conquer the world. On other days, even the smallest task of getting out of bed requires herculean effort. That, my friend, is motivation (or the absence of it).

It’s the invisible force that fuels our desires, boosts our feet to move past challenges, and, ultimately, shapes the person we eventually become.

But the thing about motivation is that it’s not exactly “invisible” or “magical.” It’s not like a mystical genie who decides when to show up and when to vanish.

In fact, it all boils down to science. In your brain is a built-in reward system. It identifies what actions or experiences lead to pleasurable outcomes or emotions.

This reward system is fueled by a neurotransmitter called dopamine, or the “feel-good hormone.” This hormone kicks in when anticipating an action or experience you find enjoyable or rewarding.

Think of your favorite song at the moment. Once it ends, you want to hear it again, right? That’s what dopamine does. It “motivates” us to seek pleasurable experiences again to continue feeling good.

And sometimes, when you don’t feel like doing anything, it’s not actually you being “lazy.” You might just be low on dopamine, or in other words, unmotivated.

The question now is, how can we recalibrate this “built-in reward system,” this “world of motivation,” so it always works in our favor?

Simply put, how do we get out of bed in the morning even if we don’t want to?

For that, we need to explore the interplay of emotions, needs, and experiences that shape how we tick. The good news is that numerous studies have been done to understand how motivation works.

Abraham Maslow, for instance, proposed the hierarchy of needs, indicating that our basic needs (food, shelter, etc.) take priority.

Only after these needs are met do we find the drive to fulfill higher-level needs like employment, friendship, and status.

These internal needs influence how we feel (motivation) about certain actions. They affect whether we want to conquer the world when we wake up in the morning or stay in bed all day.

How can we use this to live a more fulfilling life? Well, it depends on what motivates you. Figuring that out is key to staying driven. Generally, this can either be extrinsic or intrinsic motivation.

Intrinsic Motivation

When was the last time you were completely immersed in an activity, not because you were driven by pressure or external rewards but because of the pure joy the activity gave you— just for your own sake?

Didn’t it feel as though there was an abundant well of energy and satisfaction deep within you that fueled you to move forward even when the going got tough?

That’s intrinsic motivation, in a nutshell. Intrinsic motivation refers the spark that ignites our deepest passions and the fuel that keeps them burning.

And when we’re intrinsically motivated, it brings about the perfect balance of freedom and control within our being, making us feel like we are the masters of our bodies and fates.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. This “intrinsic motivation” sounds like stardust, like you can magically face anything with grace and resilience while the fire’s burning in you.

And it’s true! But you’re also probably wondering how we can cultivate this internal flame so we’re always motivated.

Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, the psychologists behind Self-Determination Theory,  proposed four key factors that foster intrinsic motivation: the 4Cs.

The 4Cs of Intrinsic Motivation

The building blocks of intrinsic motivation; challenge, curiosity, control, and context. Together, they create the perfect environment for our inner fire to flourish. Here’s how they differ.

Challenge

Have you ever spent hours playing a video game, trying to get past a certain stage or level? Yes, that drive to stretch your abilities for anything that’ll give you a sense of accomplishment, whatever form that might be, is an integral part of intrinsic motivation.

In fact, we are inherently drawn to activities that are just beyond our reach. That’s our built-in hunger for growth. Remember that overwhelming rush you had when you mastered a skill or finished a difficult task? That’s the first C of intrinsic motivation at work!

Challenges don’t always have to come from external factors. You can actually set your own personal goals to align your energy and sustain your momentum (which is also why goal setting is important to staying motivated).

Curiosity

Walt Disney once said, “Curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” We are naturally curious beings, and we reaffirm that when we feed that insatiable hunger for knowledge within us.

Curiosity is a powerful motivator, keeping us 100% driven to learn, explore, and delve deeper into anything that interests us.

In fact, the desire to keep learning about anything and everything is among the top 10 habits of successful people.

Come on. I know you’ve at least once spent hours surfing the web after falling down a rabbit hole reading about an obscure, unfamiliar topic.

Imagine if you could transcend that curiosity into everything that you do. It’s only a matter of time before you become the most productive person you could be.

Control

Remind yourself of that overwhelming sense of purpose you feel when you prioritize yourself and take control of your life. Didn’t you feel like the captain of your ship with your sails hoisted up as you smooth-sailed and navigated through life?

This is what I was talking about when I said motivation is the perfect balance between freedom and control. The freedom to choose what we do and how we do it for our own sake keeps us engaged and, therefore, motivated.

Context

They say it takes a village to raise a child. For those of us who wrestle with inaction and procrastination on a day-to-day basis, my iteration of this popular quote is “It takes a village to motivate an adult.”

That’s the last C of intrinsic motivation: context. Our environment plays a huge role in every aspect of our lives.

Adequate support and constant encouragement can make all the difference in how you feel about doing a certain activity.

Hey, Batman needed Robin, and having that level of support can significantly enhance your intrinsic motivation. Even friends or loved ones who call us out and boost our self-accountability could motivate us to do better.

Pro-Tip: Your Robin could be a professional accountability coach who helps you improve any aspect of your life you want to improve! It’s always easier to stay motivated when you have someone by your side everyday to help sticking to your plans and saying the right words to keep you going and be the best version of yourself!

When To Use Intrinsic Motivation

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• Tasks you find interesting: Tasks or activities that spark your curiosity or challenge you in a fun way are guaranteed to sustain your motivation.
• Learning a new skill: Learning something new brings a sense of accomplishment and progress, allowing intrinsic motivation to thrive.
• Fostering creativity: Activities that include self-expression and self-discovery give you an opportunity to focus on yourself, which is perfect for staying intrinsically motivated.
• Developing long-term habits: Tasks or activities that focus not just on the outcome but also on the process itself, like long-term habits, will bring enjoyment, sustaining your intrinsic motivation.

When Not To Use Intrinsic Motivation

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• Mundane tasks: Repetitive or mundane tasks may not be the perfect avenue for intrinsic motivation since it would be difficult to sustain long-term engagement (due to the absence of learning something new).
• Short-term deadlines: Intrinsic motivation may not work on tasks with short-term deadlines, either, especially if the tasks aren’t engaging enough. External rewards or pressure might be more efficient in getting things done quicker.
• Habits that require immediate action: Reminders or prompts might be more effective for tasks that require immediate action (like taking medication), since the task is mundane, repetitive, and not intrinsically motivating.

Extrinsic Motivation

So, intrinsic motivation is the feel-good fuel that keeps us driving forward, but what if the tank’s empty? Let’s face it. We all need a little extra nudge sometimes to get things done.

That’s where extrinsic motivation steps in. Yep, you have the capacity to refuel your tank and keep the fire lit through external factors.

Things like rewards, pressures, and even the fear of missing out could drive you to step out of bed in the morning and do things. (FOMO, anyone?)

Receiving praise, recognition, or even advice on how to improve yourself, are external rewards that strengthen feedback loops, all of which are essential to motivation, habit formation and productivity.

Extrinsic rewards activate the same area in our brains where dopamine resides, and the “wanting-to-feel-good” shapes our actions and behaviors, too.

Remember Pavlov’s dog getting excited at the sound of the bell because it knows it’s about to receive a treat? That’s classical conditioning, and it’s also a classic example of extrinsic motivation.

Okay. You may be a bit more complex than our beloved canine companions, but you can’t deny that, in one flavor or another, extrinsic motivation has manifested itself in your life.

You may not have realized it because you’re not familiar with the concept yet. So, allow me to introduce to you the three main types of extrinsic motivation, their strengths, and their weaknesses.

Types Of Extrinsic Motivation

The key to maximizing the power of extrinsic motivation is to find the perfect balance between its ups and downs.

Reward-Based Motivation

A cup of ice cream after doing chores all day? Hanging out with friends on the weekend after an exhausting week at work? Receiving the Emperor’s crest after saving China with a sword?

Okay. You may not be Mulan, but you get my point. Rewards are powerful motivators. It reinforces our desired behaviors, regardless of their unpleasantness, because we know the outcome will be pleasurable.

However, an external reward is a double-edged sword. Relying too much on rewards can diminish our intrinsically motivated behavior because the external reward starts to outweigh the fun and curiosity we get out of it.

Fear-Based Motivation

”I will work hard so that I don’t have to experience the extreme difficulties of this life!” You see, fear can also fuel our passion to go beyond our limits.

We try so hard to avoid hell from manifesting itself in our lives, and when you move away from the bad, you inevitably step towards the good.

But be careful! While fear of failure, punishment, and social disapproval may get us moving, they can also lead to anxiety and avoidance, bringing you back to square one: inaction. So we always advise think sustainable instead of immediate.

Learning how to forgive yourself after a setback will ensure that failures don’t extinguish your inner flame.

Power-Based Motivation

Remember Christian Bale’s line in American Psycho? “I feel on the verge of madness or greatness.” It’s almost the same thing with power-based motivation.

You have to thread really, really carefully. Desiring status and recognition can be a good thing as it taps our primal need for belonging and achievement.

However, getting drunk on external validation sometimes leads to unethical behavior and cutthroat competition because you’re so eager to win.

When To Use Extrinsic Motivation

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• Repetitive Tasks: What’s your record for the longest time you put a task on hold (like cleaning or organizing) because it’s just so dull? You can avoid that now by using extrinsic motivation. For instance, reward yourself with a pint of ice cream or one hour of doom scrolling after you accomplish the task.
• Short-Term Goals: Paper due by midnight? External pressures, like deadlines, are effective for achieving time-bound goals, especially if you find it hard to be intrinsically motivated about the task. This is an excellent example of fear-based motivation. You think, “If I don’t submit this by midnight, I’ll be in big trouble.”
• Developing New Habits: Let’s be honest. Some habits are taxing, especially if you’re still in its formative stages. But don’t abandon them just yet! Try pairing your desired behavior with small rewards so you can stay extrinsically motivated until the habit becomes part of your routine. Or if you want the short and more comfortable route, get a professional coach to design a personalized plan for you.
• Performance Boost: That desire to win? To be better than your competitors? To get the prize? These things are not inherently bad. Healthy competition and recognition are powerful motivators, too, especially in group settings. When executed properly, it fosters a sense of camaraderie and even friendship.

When Not To Use Extrinsic Motivation

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• Activities You Enjoy: It’s counterproductive to use external rewards for activities you’re already intrinsically motivated to do. Your built-in reward system might focus more on the external reward than the satisfaction you get from the activity, which could significantly decrease intrinsic motivation.
• Tasks That Require Problem-Solving: One downside to being extrinsically motivated is your brain’s tendency to focus more on “what comes next” instead of the task at hand. Receiving your reward or the fear of failure, for instance, might take so much space in your head that it stifles your capacity for critical thinking and creativity.
• Long-Term Motivation: So, you’re able to accomplish the task and receive the reward. But what happens when the rewards stop coming? That’s why external motivation shouldn’t be used for sustaining long-term engagement. Otherwise, you might end up feeling burned out when you don’t get anything in return.

So, Which One’s Better?

All of this brings us to one profound question: Which type of motivation is better?

Imagine a genie offering you two pills; one is red and the other is blue. The red pill provides you with sudden bursts of energy, like a power-up, but they don’t last long.

On the other hand, the blue pill gives you stamina, allowing you to sustain your energy for long periods of time.

So, which pill would you take?

If you thought: “I prefer the blue pill, but there would probably be times when the red pill would work for me best.” Well, the same can be said for intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation.

The thing is, it’s not a matter of “which type of motivation is better” because they’re not adversaries to begin with! They’re partners, each adding a sense of direction in your journey to a fulfilling life.

The Charm Of Internal Flame

Really think about the activities that truly light you up from the inside. Maybe that’s getting lost in a captivating novel, playing and singing your favorite song on the guitar, or mastering a new skill.

These activities, regardless of how long you spend on them, will not tire you out, even in the absence of an external reward. Why? Because the activity itself is already inherently rewarding!

Integrating this drive into anything and everything we do is the key to facing every challenge with a smile on our faces.

The Power Of The External Push

But let’s be honest, sometimes that internal flame is no more than a flickering candle in a dark, spacious room. It needs nurturing, too.

And so, when personal satisfaction is out of the question, extrinsic motivation steps in to light up the dark.

Think of it like that first sip of coffee in the morning - that little extra jolt that flips the switch in your brain, telling you, “Alright. It’s time to move and get things done!”

Because, I don’t know about you, but honestly, sometimes the promise of a weekend getaway is all the motivation I need to power through an exhausting, demanding project.

Having something to look forward to will also help you experience a more joyful life.

Finding The Balance

Just like almost anything good in this world, the key is finding a harmonious balance between these two to unlock their full potential.

• Always Try And Start With Intrinsic Motivation: It’s always better to start with intrinsic motivation when tackling a new task since it works better for long-term engagement. So, whenever you face something new, ask yourself:
  • Is there a way to make this task enjoyable?
  • Is there a playful element I can add to this?
  • Can I challenge myself in a healthy way by facing this?
  • Can I connect it to a larger goal to keep me inspired?
• Use Extrinsic Motivation Strategically: Think of extrinsic motivation as the Pym particles in the movie Ant-Man. Used moderately, it gave Hank Pym the ability to shrink, but when used excessively, it almost trapped Scott Lang in the quantum realm forever. That’s why external rewards must be used in moderation. The need for extrinsic motivation arises in situations like meeting short-term deadlines or kickstarting new habits. Be sure to let it go once intrinsic motivation takes hold.
• Progress More Than The Outcome: Of course, the results matter, but they’re not all that matters. Progress, big or small, is important, too. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation will work best when you celebrate your victories. Keep going, even if you fail. Keep going, even if the output isn’t perfect. Don’t let imperfection get in the way of your success. As long as you’re moving forward, you’re doing fine.

So, if you want to transform the most mundane tasks into activities you find enjoyable, cultivating a love for the journey itself is the key. Leveraging intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is the recipe for success.

The Best Of Both Worlds: Cultivating Intrinsic And Extrinsic Motivation

Alright. I know you’ve probably been worried that most of the things I mentioned so far are quite general. Don’t worry. I have actionable steps you can take to cultivate these two types of motivation and make them work in your favor.

So, if you’re ready to get the best of both worlds, take out your pen and paper and start writing these techniques down!

Intrinsic Ignition Techniques

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1. The Power Of “Why”: Remember when you were a kid bombarding your parents with the constant “Why?” until they got annoyed? If you weren’t intentionally annoying them, you were most likely genuinely curious about certain things, as all of us are natural-born questioners. So, instead of just passively accepting tasks, take the time to find its “why.” That sense of purpose will drive you to accomplish things.
   • Action Step: As mentioned earlier, curiosity is an integral part of intrinsic motivation. Therefore, turning any task into a mini-investigation should keep things interesting. Before you dive in, take a few minutes brainstorming its purpose, process, and even its impact on your or other people’s lives.
2. Embracing Challenges: Shift your perspective. Seeing tasks as hurdles to be dreaded will undermine intrinsic motivation. Reframe your mind and think of these challenges as opportunities for growth. Ask yourself, “What will this challenge improve in me? How will it contribute to my personal growth?”
   • Action Step: If a task does not promote intrinsic motivation, it’s probably because it’s not challenging you enough. Try to turn up the difficulty dial a notch, maybe that’ll do the trick. Can you add a self-imposed creative constraint to the task? Maybe a time limit? Or perhaps a friendly competition with a colleague?
3. Peek At Others’ Journeys: Inspiration is like a deep well situated within your soul. You can fetch water from it whenever you need, but it’d be pointless if it’d already run dry. That’s why it’s important to find avenues for inspiration from time to time. It’s rooted in the idea, “Someone else was able to make their life meaningful, and that means I can too.”
   • Action Step: Read a book. Learn about the lives of inspiring people. Watch leadership TED talks. Anything that will bring out the best in you and make you think about changing the course of your life could rekindle the burning passion inside you and enhance your intrinsic motivation.
4. Own Your Journey: Stop thinking that life is a free-flowing river and you’re just a fallen leaf drifting along its currents. Take control of your life! Owning your journey is a potent motivator. Set personal goals, especially since they make you more productive. Break down large tasks into manageable steps, and track your progress over time. The sense of autonomy you get from this should fuel intrinsic motivation.
   • Action Step: Create a visual representation of your progress, or better yet, a vision board, and include a personal accomplishment chart. Having something tangible to validate your progress and seeing yourself move closer to your goal are powerful motivators.

Extrinsic Enhancements

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1. Intrinsic Experience As A Reward: Do you want to get more things done? How about using tasks or activities you find enjoyable as rewards for other mundane tasks? Having fun is one of the most effective methods to combat burnout, allowing you to stay motivated and productive at work. Combine that with occasional extrinsic treats and you get yourself a well-oiled productivity machine. (Just be careful not to let the mundane tasks decrease intrinsic motivation for the activities you find pleasurable.)
   • Action Step: Pair extrinsic rewards with intrinsic experiences. After completing a difficult task, treat yourself to a relaxing activity. Doing this should help reinforce the intrinsic value of the task itself.
2. Partner Up: You know what they say, two heads are better than one. Solving tasks or facing challenges together might make them easier. Do you know what makes that scenario even better? When you’re not just actively trying to accomplish a task but also fostering your relationship with other people. We’re social beings, and that kind of connection might boost extrinsic motivation.
   • Action Step: Call one of your friends up, find a study buddy, or look for online communities or accountability groups that have similar goals as you. Sharing the journey with them can provide the perfect dose of competition, encouragement, and support to keep you engaged.
3. Celebrate Milestones: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Celebrate your progress. Acknowledge the strength and effort it took you to be where you are right now. Not just because you deserve it, but also because it’s how you reinforce your positive behaviors and keep you motivated for the long haul.
   • Action Step: Create an “Acknowledgement Chart” or whatever you want to call it. The table must include one row for “Small Tasks” and “Big Tasks.” Whenever you accomplish five or so small tasks, give yourself a “small” reward, like a pint of ice cream. Whenever you accomplish three or so big tasks, give yourself a “big” reward, like going to the cinema and watching a movie.

But, Do They Actually Work? (Notable People Who Mastered The Art Of Motivation)

The beauty of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is that they’re not just theoretical concepts. They’re real-world forces that propel us to achieve extraordinary things. But who am I to convince you of that, right?

So, instead of just saying “motivation works,” how about I show you real-life scenarios where motivation did work?

Marie Curie, The Tenacious Scientist

Imagine being discriminated and having to work with inadequate lab facilities almost every day while trying to understand radioactivity. Well, Marie Curie didn’t have to imagine.

Marie Curie had mastered the second C of intrinsic motivation; curiosity. Her insatiable hunger for knowledge fueled her research, and her groundbreaking discoveries continue to shape science today.

In the end, she earned two Nobel Prizes; one in physics and another in chemistry.

Walt Disney, The Happiest Man On Earth

Walt Disney’s unrelenting pursuit of expressing his artistic vision is a prime example of how much intrinsic drive can change the course of our lives.

Despite facing numerous rejections and setbacks, Walt Disney’s passion for storytelling fueled his persistence, putting smiles in people’s faces.

Extrinsic motivators like financial backing and being able to collaborate with talented animators furthered his vision for creating the happiest places and stories on earth.

His global empire, Disney, went on to become one of the biggest entertainment brands in the industry today and it continues to inspire generations.

Nelson Mandela, The Imprisoned Liberator

It’s difficult to stay motivated when you’re faced with a formidable foe. But Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, faced an entire oppressive system engraved in his country’s government.

Mandela wanted to end apartheid in South Africa, a policy of segregation or discrimination based on race. He fought for justice, believing every countryman must have equal rights.

He spent 27 years in prison after her adversaries tried to put him away, but his passion for creating a more just world kept him motivated. Upon his release, he championed forgiveness and reconciliation.

Colonel Harland Sanders, The Bucket Of Dreams

Colonel Harland Sanders’ life is not as private as his 11 secret herbs and spices. He’s the quintessential example of “It’s never too late.”

A railroad worker, a lawyer, an insurance agent, the CEO of a ferry boat company, the founder of a lamp manufacturing business, a tire salesman, a manager at a service station, the owner of a motel/restaurant, and an assistant cafeteria manager, all of which had failed.

At age 65, Col. Harland Sanders was licensing his chicken idea to restaurants, sleeping in his car, and negotiating franchise rights.

Today, there are almost 30,000 KFC restaurants around the globe. If that’s not what staying motivated is, I don’t know what is.

Keeping The Fire Alive: When Motivation Is Not Motivating Enough

The question remains: What happens when the intrinsic spark feels like a flicker and extrinsic motivating factors seem as enticing as yesterday’s lukewarm coffee?

When motivation is not motivating enough, you need to find a way to keep the fire alive. Here are some steps you can take:

Revisit Your Why

Don’t get too caught up with your “hows.” When you feel as though what you’re doing is pointless, maybe it’s time to revisit your “whys.”

What’s the task’s purpose in your life? What’s its purpose in the grand scheme of things? What ignited your passion for this thing in the first place?

Sometimes, all it takes to get that motivational boost again is a shift in your perspective. See it from a different angle. Step back, if you must, for that may let you see the bigger picture.

Adjust One Element At A Time

Maybe your current strategy isn’t cutting it. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try to adjust the elements around you one at a time.

Making creative adjustments to your workspace is one of the best techniques to get in the mood to do work.

Perhaps the messy workstation is causing mental clutter? Clean it up first! Maybe your room is quite hotter and more humid than usual? Work at a cafe!

Identifying what blocks motivation from reaching your inner flame is difficult, but it matters! Really, it’s just about figuring out what makes you tick.

The Power Of Rest

One of the biggest mistakes of millennials and Gen Zs nowadays: underestimating the value of good sleep. Your brainpower is a limited resource.

No matter how hard you fan the flame within you, if your mind just isn’t there, it wouldn’t matter how intense that burning passion within you is.

Get adequate sleep, or rest, at least. Take a walk. Meditate. These things will recharge your mind and body, making them more receptive to the embers of motivation waiting to be rekindled.

Food For Thought:

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• What happens when you focus on “why” you want something, not just “what” it is? Does it help boost motivation?
• When was the last time you were completely engrossed in what you were doing? What fueled that drive within you?
• What intrinsic and extrinsic rewards influence your actions? How do they help you find your purpose?
• What techniques can you employ to blend extrinsic and intrinsic motivation to tackle a tough situation?

FAQs

What is the difference between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation?

In a nutshell, intrinsic motivation is the drive within you, while extrinsic motivation comes from external factors. Both of these types of motivation are driven by pleasurable experiences, like having fun or an external reward (tangible or not).

What is an example of intrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation comes from the satisfaction you get from doing something. Imagine being absorbed in the process of creative expression when you paint. The pleasure you get from creating something beautiful is a form of motivation.

Even the knowledge that you’re moving closer to your goal and becoming a better version of yourself can promote intrinsic motivation. If you’re trying to keep your internal fire burning while also focusing on personal growth, our accountability app is the perfect solution!

What causes intrinsic motivation?

The 4Cs are the primary driving forces of intrinsic motivation. Here’s what they mean:

• Challenge: activities that stretch your abilities or provide a sense of accomplishment
• Curiosity: the drive to learn and explore, born out of our natural inquisitiveness
• Control: the feeling that we are in control of what we do and how we do it
• Context: the support, challenge, and encouragement you get from your environment

One or any combination of these four key factors could spark your inner drive.

What is an example of extrinsic motivation?

A bonus grade or salary, is an excellent example of extrinsic motivation. Knowing you’ll be rewarded for meeting a deadline or submitting your work early could push you to take action. Sometimes, even the fear of not being able to submit your work on time is motivating enough to get you moving.

However, you want to make sure this doesn’t happen too frequently. Otherwise, cramming projects might turn into a habit. Learning about the best time management strategies should help you avoid this rather common pitfall.

Why is extrinsic motivation better?

Actually, neither intrinsic nor extrinsic motivation is inherently “better.” Both types of motivation play crucial roles in keeping you motivated. It’s all a matter of maximizing them and utilizing the best type of motivation for a specific task. Intrinsic motivation, for instance, works best for long-term satisfaction and deep engagement. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation works better for jumpstarting tasks or addressing chores we find dull.

Motivation: The Art (And Science) Of Getting Things Done

”Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are.” Those are the words of Theodore Roosevelt, more popularly known as the 26th president of America, but was actually a prolific writer as well.

I know that sometimes, even if we recognize our capacity to set the world in order, we fail to live to our potential because we just don’t have the drive to do things.

Understanding the intricate differences between intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation is key to learning how you function.

Remember that motivation isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous dance between your intrinsic fire and external fuel to keep you moving forward.

You are the architect of your motivation. It shouldn’t just shape who you are, you should also shape how it affects you.

So, whenever you feel a flicker of inspiration, don’t let it fade. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch it transform into a blazing fire that propels you towards your goals.

The most fulfilling journeys begin with a single, motivated step. Take that step today, and if you need someone to push you forward, our personalized coaching app is here to accompany you on this journey.

You can test it out two weeks for free! See you there!