Intrinsic Motivation: Why It Matters More Than You Think
We’ve all been there. You’re tasked with a project or assignment, and you just can’t seem to summon the motivation to get it done.
So, what do you do? You reach for the stickers, candies, or other rewards to motivate yourself or those around you.
But does extrinsic motivation really work? And is it the best way to get things done?
In this article, we explore the pitfalls of extrinsic motivation and delve into the importance of intrinsic motivation in driving creativity, autonomy, confidence, and perseverance.
Negative Impact of Rewards
We’re often taught to associate rewards with a job well done. Think of the gold stars we earned in elementary school for our spelling tests or the candy we received for being on our best behavior at the dentist’s office.
However, research suggests that rewards can have a negative impact on motivation, particularly when they are used as a bribe or evaluated through a level system. Lee and Reeve found that extrinsic rewards can decrease the activation of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for our sense of personal control.
This can lead to a lack of intrinsic motivation and reduced creativity. Instead of using rewards as a quick fix for a lack of motivation, it’s essential to foster intrinsic motivation.
This type of motivation comes from a deep sense of satisfaction and enjoyment in the activity itself. Richard M.
Ryan and Edward L. Deci’s Self-Determination Theory highlights the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation to drive personal growth and development.
When we engage in activities that are driven by our inherent interest and enjoyment, we’re more likely to be motivated and achieve greater success.
Psychological Needs to Foster Intrinsic Motivation
So how do we build intrinsic motivation in ourselves and those around us? The key is to focus on the psychological needs that make us feel fulfilled and engaged in our tasks.
Richard Rutschman underscores the importance of competence, autonomy, relatedness, and connection in fostering intrinsic motivation. By building these needs into our work and everyday activities, we can tap into our natural sense of satisfaction and find greater meaning and purpose.
Negative Effects of Evaluation and Surveillance
One of the biggest culprits of extrinsic motivation is evaluation and surveillance, particularly in educational and workplace settings. Beth Hennessey’s research highlights the negative impact of teacher feedback on students’ sense of autonomy and self-esteem.
The use of grades, evaluations, and performance metrics can create a sense of competition and inadequacy that stifles creativity and perseverance. Instead of focusing on external evaluations, we should seek to cultivate a sense of internal motivation and personal fulfillment.
Disadvantages of Competition
In addition to evaluations, competition can be a major obstacle to intrinsic motivation. When we feel like we’re competing against others, we’re more likely to feel shame and inadequacy, which can inhibit our creativity and drive.
Instead of competing against others, we should focus on cultivating a sense of mastery and personal growth.
Consequences of Restricting Choice and Time
Restricting choice and time can also have a negative impact on intrinsic motivation. When we feel like our choices are limited or our time is restricted, we’re more likely to experience stress hormones and an inward focus, which can inhibit our sense of autonomy and creativity.
To foster intrinsic motivation, we should seek to create an environment that supports choice and flexibility.
Dangers of Micromanagement and Completion
Finally, micromanagement and completion can also be major obstacles to intrinsic motivation. When we feel like we’re being overly scrutinized or that we have to meet specific completion goals, we’re more likely to feel hindered and critical of ourselves.
To foster intrinsic motivation, we should seek to create an environment that supports autonomy and personal control.
Conclusion
Intrinsic motivation is a vital part of personal growth and development. By focusing on our psychological needs and fostering a sense of autonomy and personal fulfillment, we can tap into our natural creative impulses and drive greater success.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, or manager, cultivating intrinsic motivation should be a fundamental part of your approach to work and everyday activities. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for those stickers or candies, think about the power of intrinsic motivation and how it can drive your success and fulfillment.
What to Do: Building Intrinsic Motivation Through Empathy, Patience, and Creativity
Now that we understand the pitfalls of extrinsic motivation and the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation, let’s explore some practical ways to build intrinsic motivation in ourselves and those around us. From allowing failure to promoting teamwork and choice, these strategies can help us tap into our natural drive and find greater fulfillment in our lives.
Benefits of Allowing Failure
One of the best ways to build intrinsic motivation is to allow for failure. When we feel like we can fail without judgment or shame, we’re more likely to take risks and try again.
This can help us build resilience and foster experimentation, which can be essential to personal growth and development. By taking the time to empathize with those who fail, we can create an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning and growth.
Importance of Praising Effort
In addition to allowing for failure, it’s important to praise effort over achievement. Dan Siegal emphasizes the importance of praising persistence, problem-solving, and innovation, rather than just the end result.
When we praise effort, we help foster a sense of perseverance and memory, which can help us tackle new challenges with confidence and resilience.
Advantages of Teamwork
Teamwork can be another powerful tool in fostering intrinsic motivation. When we work collaboratively with others, we’re better able to share ideas, resolve conflict, and communicate effectively.
This can help us build a sense of connection and relatedness, which can be essential to our sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Benefits of Providing Choices and Embracing Patience
Providing choices can also be a powerful tool in building intrinsic motivation. When we have the freedom to make choices, we’re more likely to experience a sense of autonomy and experimentation.
This can help us build our competence and find greater meaning and purpose in our lives. Additionally, it’s important to embrace patience and recognize that achieving intrinsic motivation is a process that takes time.
The motivation “muscle” takes time to build, and we need to be patient and persistent to see results.
Encouraging Problem-Solving and New Experiences
Encouraging problem-solving and new experiences can also be powerful tools in building intrinsic motivation. When we’re encouraged to engage with problems and find creative solutions, we’re more likely to feel a sense of curiosity and experimentation.
This can help us find new postulates and learn new things that can drive our personal growth and development.
Realistic Expectations and Rest
Finally, it’s important to set realistic expectations for ourselves and find a balance between work and rest. When we push ourselves too hard, we’re more likely to experience burnout and reduced motivation.
By recognizing the importance of rest and self-care, we can build our motivation muscle and find greater fulfillment in our lives.
Conclusion
Intrinsic motivation is an essential part of personal growth and development, but it takes time and effort to build. By allowing for failure, praising effort over achievement, promoting teamwork and choice, embracing patience, encouraging problem-solving and new experiences, and setting realistic expectations for ourselves, we can tap into our natural drive and find greater meaning and purpose in our lives.
So, take some time to reflect on these strategies and find ways to incorporate them into your daily routines and activities. With a bit of persistence and patience, you can build your intrinsic motivation and unlock your full potential.
Intrinsic motivation is a powerful force that can drive personal growth, development, and fulfillment. While extrinsic motivation may offer quick fixes and temporary rewards, it can also hinder our creativity, autonomy, and perseverance.
By focusing on psychological needs, allowing for failure, praising effort, promoting teamwork and choice, embracing patience, encouraging problem-solving and new experiences, and setting realistic expectations for ourselves, we can tap into our natural drive and build our motivation muscle. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or manager, cultivating intrinsic motivation should be a key part of your approach to work and everyday activities.
By doing so, you can unlock your full potential and find greater satisfaction in your life.