Let's Talk About Motivations: Extrinsic vs Intrinsic

Motivations are great driving force for us to strive more in doing or achieving something we want in our lives.

There are times that we feel like we can't do something but, when reinforcement occurs, that's the time when our doubts started to fade away and our vision towards our goals becomes clearer than ever.

When I was in 1st year college, there was a topic in one of my subjects in professional education that talked about the types of motivation. There are actually several types discussed by the presenter and my instructor but, simplifying those, there are two general types that I will be sharing with you today.

I know, some of you are already familiar with this but, for the sake of those who aren't familiar yet or those who wants to learn more about it, here are the types of motivation I am talking about.

1. Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation is driven by external forces. Meaning, this occur outside ourselves particularly with someone's intervention and doesn't really came from within our minds and hearts. These are the motivations that are very common in kids wherein we can use it to encourage them in doing something.

Let's say for instance, we can ask a child to write his/her name in a piece of paper but, when he/she is not in the mood, there's a possibility that he/she will disobey us. So, as a strategy, we can use extrinsic motivation to make them act and do what we want them to do. For example, we will give them some rewards like buying them toys, ice cream, money and etc.

Aside from kids, this motivation is also applicable in older ages. Let's say for instance, I have my friend whose not into studying before but, after the deal he made with his parents, he became motivated to study harder for the rewards when he graduated and reached his goals. The rewards offered to him at the end, is all about money and material things. His parents promised him to give huge amount of money and buy whatever things he wants to. They are well-off family, so it's kinda reasonable for them to have a deal like that which I can't relate to. Hahaha

2. Intrinsic Motivation

Opposite of extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation came from within a person. These type of motivation doesn't have any human intervention and doesn't necessarily associated with promises and rewards given by other people. It comes from within ourselves meaning, it's our own will and initiative to do something because we created our own motivation that will help us to be more encouraged and confident to achieve our goals.

For example, my parents didn't promise me to give expensive things when I graduated in college but, I still strive to finish my studies because I have this goal of being successful in my chosen profession for me to have a better life in the future and for me to give back to my parents, realizing the efforts and sacrifices they made for me to be successful.

I know, most of you are driven with instrinsic motivation too, especially because I can clearly observe how everyone of you works for your dreams even if you aren't being commanded to do so, just your own will. Some users here have their goals every month and they are writing monthly reports and achievements which I admire fully.

Which of the two is more effective?

These two are both effective depending on the person utilizing it. There are some people who feel motivated more when rewards are presented given by someone like their parents, friends, boss, and among others. There are some people too, who prefer motivation coming from within themselves.

On the other hand, in my own opinion and experience, intrinsic motivation is more effective on me as I grow older. Yes, when I was a kid, I was more on driven with extrinsic motivation but now, I realized that my own will to do something is effective than being dictated by other people around me. Even if my parents, friends, and colleagues will not give or reward me something, I will still strive in achieving my goals because that's what I want to pursue.

I believe, when motivation comes from within it cannot be easily broke no matter what happens.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Motivation plays a very important role in our lives. It makes us feel alive and confident to pursue what we want and it's one of the reasons too why we can't easily give up. It matters a lot especially in achieving our goals. If someone's not motivated in life, I do believe that there's a lesser chance for him/her to succeed.

We have to think and feel about what we really want to achieve, and try our best to dig deeper and create motivations that will drive us to make our dreams come true like a magic.

Author's Note:

I want to express my gratitude for those who are consistently supporting me everytime I'm publishing my works. To all of my old and new readers, thank you very much for always leaning your time in reading my articles. And to my sponsors, I am so grateful for having you all, I hope you are all doing fine and happy.

May God bless you always! 😇❤️

Advance Merry Christmas! 🎄🎅

Date Published: September 23, 2021

Lead Image and Gif: Originally made by me using Canva