We are all motivated for a variety of reasons. Some people enjoy completing tasks for the external and physical rewards that they lead to. Others look for a deeper meaning in success, taking it as an opportunity to develop their self-worth and confidence.
Whatever your reason may be, it is imperative that you understand your motivation and why it keeps you going. In this article, we will be discussing the term intrinsic motivation and what it means. We will also mention how effective this type of motivation is and a few factors that influence it.
What Is Intrinsic Motivation?
Have you ever worked hard at something simply because you want to prove that you can do it? Have you ever put in the effort while nobody is watching? If yes, then you are likely to have had an intrinsic motivation.
In short, this means that internal rewards keep you motivated. In other words, you do not need physical or external rewards, such as money, fame, or popularity, to keep you going. Instead, you are motivated by your emotions and the fact that you genuinely want to complete a task.
How Effective Is Intrinsic Motivation?
Extrinsic motivation is usually more effective than intrinsic. With that being said, many people complete tasks for the pure enjoyment of it. For example, someone who enters a marathon with the knowledge that they could come last overall would be motivated intrinsically. They are not doing it for fame or money. Instead, they are merely entering because they enjoy running and want to complete the challenge.
Factors That Increase Intrinsic Motivation
There are a few factors that have a significant impact on our intrinsic motivation:
- The challenge. Certain types of people love a challenge. When they are faced with a challenging task, they often roll their sleeves up and knuckle down to prove that they can get over that mountain.
- Curiosity. People are often curious about things that they have not tried before. If they encounter a new challenge, they may be motivated by completing the unknown.
- Control. Most people like having control of a situation. For this reason, some people complete tasks or challenges simply to feel as if they have control of their lives and situation.
Concluding Thoughts
Intrinsic motivation refers to the sense of motivation that we feel when we simply want to complete a task to enjoy it. This is the complete opposite of extrinsic motivation, which refers to physical rewards, such as money, fame, and praise. There are a few factors that influence our intrinsic motivation, including curiosity and our sense of control.
