What Is Intrinsic Motivation, And How Does It Work?
Intrinsic motivation is the type of internal motivation you use to complete a task you enjoy or want to complete for no other reason than pure enjoyment. For example, an individual might act from intrinsic motivation if they apply for a job because it is their dream job, even if it doesn't offer a significant financial benefit. The opposite of intrinsic motivation is extrinsic motivation, where individuals rely on external or extrinsic rewards or punishment to motivate. Understanding intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can help you understand how to increase joy in your life in the activities in which you engage.
Understanding intrinsic motivation
To understand human motivation and how it can impact cognitive development, it is important to understand rewards and how they impact human behavior. When you have an internal rewards system that drives you to act, you are experiencing intrinsic motivation. With this type of motivation, you're not getting any obvious external rewards for your behavior but instead offering yourself the feeling of contentment, happiness, higher self-determination, or self-actualization. Intrinsic motivation and self-determination theory are linked, as people with high intrinsic motivation factors may be more self-determined.
- Joining a choir because you like to sing
- Volunteering because you want to help people
- Staying longer at work because you like your coworkers
- Smiling because you want to
- Doing your makeup and dressing up because it makes you happy
- Singing with your friends because it makes you feel connected
- Applying for a play because you enjoy acting
In contrast to the intrinsic rewards above, if you were acting out these same activities with extrinsic motivations (external motivation), they might look like the following:
Joining a choir to gain community recognition
Volunteering to add it to your resume
Staying longer at work to apply for a promotion
Smiling to get someone's attention
Doing your makeup and dressing up to attract someone you like
Singing with your friends to show off your skills
Applying for a play because you want a career in acting
Both extrinsic and intrinsic motivations can have positive impacts on an individual. However, intrinsic motivation may focus more on the benefit you're giving yourself instead of the benefit or rewards you receive from your environment or the people around you. Intrinsic motivation can help you increase resilience and reduce social comparisons.
Do I have intrinsic motivation?
Many people use intrinsic motivation in daily life. For example, you might engage in a new hobby for its own sake and have fun doing it because of the enjoyment and not for any gain. Some people are intrinsically motivated to read because they enjoy books and it gives them inherent satisfaction. If reading is your hobby, you might partake in it because of intrinsic factors such as it makes you happy or it is interesting to learn about new things, not because you're asked to. However, if you are asked to read for a class, you might struggle to make yourself read, as it's not an intrinsic choice in that situation.
Intrinsic motivation can involve your core values and how you assign personal meaning. You may feel better about the world in which you live in, yourself, or others around you due to intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation can also involve mindfulness principles, helping you live in the moment instead of considering how each action might provide external rewards or benefit you in the long run. You can enjoy your life as it occurs when you act out of intrinsically motivated joy, excitement, and value. For some individuals, seeking out novel ideas, situations, or experiences is intrinsically motivating. This is called sensory curiosity and involves motivation that stems from new experiences.
Why does intrinsic motivation work?
Intrinsic motivation often works because it increases positive emotions and neurotransmitters in the brain that can make you feel happy and fulfilled. You might also feel a sense of success or happiness from extrinsic motivation, but extrinsic motivation may not always align with your core values, wants, and interests. Because you enjoy what you're doing when intrinsically motivated, you may feel more willing to partake in it for a long time and encourage others to do it. In addition, you might put more effort, detail, and creativity into each activity, especially if that activity is at your optimal challenge level. You may expect a high-quality result from an intrinsically motivated activity; activities that reap extrinsic rewards may not be as fulfilling.
Someone who does an activity because they are expecting to be rewarded or are trying not to get punished may engage in the least possible amount of work to still receive the reward or avoid harm without much cognitive curiosity. Someone with an intrinsic reward system may do the best job possible because they want to. Any success gained from their intrinsic actions may be an additional source of joy but not the primary one. They may also find growth and internal rewards from completing what they love and striving to do better in the future if mistakes are made. Someone who makes mistakes while extrinsically motivated may feel less motivation to engage in that particular task or activity again.
Social psychology has found that giving someone external rewards for the same activity that the individual already finds intrinsically rewarding can reduce the intrinsic reward the person feels; this is known as the overjustification effect. Though that doesn't mean that you can't get paid to do what you love, it does mean that you might come to enjoy it less as you start to use it for a money-making venture as extrinsic factors begin to come into play. However, competing studies show that intrinsic motivation in a career may be increased with extrinsic reinforcement.
Finding your intrinsic motivation
If you aren't sure what is intrinsically motivating to you, consider what hobbies you've enjoyed before. If you've never tried a hobby, there are thousands to try. Look up a list of favorite local activities or ways to pass the time. You could start exploring each activity independently or seek professional assistance to help you feel more passionate about the activities in which you already engage. At times, a lack of intrinsic motivation may be associated with mental health conditions like depression.
Counseling options
If you struggle with motivation, talking to a mental health professional may benefit you. Many individuals avoid in-person therapy because of barriers like cost, distance, or availability of providers. However, with online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, you can reach out to a licensed professional from anywhere in the country and choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions.
Online therapists can also offer worksheets and outside resources you can use to increase your motivation or cope with mental health challenges. Being able to meet with someone from any location with an internet connection, you can receive support even when you struggle to leave home or are on vacation, making online therapy convenient. Studies have also found online therapy more cost-effective than in-person therapy.
Takeaway
Motivation can be a tricky subject. Not everyone is motivated by the same factors, so understanding the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation can prepare you to increase the activities in your life that make you happy, content, and fulfilled. If you want to learn more about motivation or discuss potential mental health challenges, you can also contact a licensed therapist for guidance at any time.
What is intrinsic motivation, and what are some examples?
Intrinsic motivation is defined as a type of motivation influenced by personal fulfillment or pleasure. Examples of intrinsic motivation include exercising because it feels good instead of to lose weight, spending time with someone because you like to be around them rather than feeling obligated or to increase your social standing, or learning to play an instrument because you enjoy learning new things rather than trying to impress others.
What is intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation?
While intrinsic motivation provides personal fulfillment and comes from inside, extrinsic motivation is defined as a type of motivation that involves doing something because it’s a means to an end rather than for the sake of doing it. The outcomes of intrinsic motivation are often satisfying to one’s basic psychological needs, while extrinsic outcomes typically aren’t.
What are three intrinsic motivations?
The three primary elements of intrinsic motivation are associated with universal psychological needs outlined in different theories of motivation in developmental psychology, such as determination theory (SDT) and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. They are:
- Autonomy: Motivation based on a desire to have control over one’s actions, choices, and outcomes. Individuals motivated by autonomy value independence, self-direction, and the ability to make decisions based on their values and preferences.
- Mastery: Motivation to improve, develop skills, or achieve personal growth and excellence in a particular area. People motivated by mastery often seek to challenge themselves, overcome obstacles, and expand their abilities and knowledge.
- Purpose: Motivation based on working towards a goal with more significant meaning and impact beyond personal satisfaction. People motivated by purpose might work for a non-profit organization because they believe in the company’s mission rather than for money.
Why is intrinsic motivation important in learning?
Research on motivation in the learning environment suggests that students who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to persist in the face of obstacles, attach meaning to the material, and have a greater desire to learn new topics.
Students can cultivate a sense of autonomy in learning by contributing to course materials and setting their own goals. Additionally, students who feel a sense of competence in learning and comprehension often retain their motivation when challenged.
What is intrinsic motivation for life?
Intrinsic motivation for life refers to the inner drive and sense of purpose that motivates individuals to accomplish a goal or activity aligning with their values and personal fulfillment. Intrinsic motivation can manifest in daily life in various ways, including:
- Pursuing personal growth and self-improvement: People intrinsically motivated are often committed to continuous learning, development, and self-improvement. They may seek out opportunities for growth and experiences that expand their knowledge and skills.
- Following one’s passions and interests: Intrinsic motivation involves pursuing activities, hobbies, and interests that bring joy and fulfillment. People with intrinsic motivation are driven by their curiosity, passions, and enthusiasm for trying new things and exploring opportunities.
- Seeking meaning and fulfillment: People with intrinsic motivation may put a priority on goals that align with their sense of purpose and seek out experiences that provide a sense of meaning and contribution.
- Embracing autonomy and self-direction: People with intrinsic motivation may gain satisfaction by having a sense of freedom in choosing their own path, making decisions, and pursuing goals.
- Cultivating resilience and perseverance: Individuals with intrinsic motivation often approach challenges with persistence, resilience, and determination.
- Cultivating pride and self-worth: People who are intrinsically motivated often take pride in their work, roles, and achievements. They may experience a sense of accomplishment that enriches self-esteem and encourages confidence.
What is an example of an intrinsic motivation factor?
There are several examples of how people practice intrinsic motivation in their daily lives. Some of these include:
- Playing a sport because it’s fun rather than because you want to win
- Taking extra responsibility at work because you enjoy your job rather than to get accolades
- Learning a new language because you enjoy the challenge rather than to impress people
- Losing weight because it makes you feel better rather than because you want to look thinner
- Spending time with a niece or nephew because you enjoy their company rather than because you owe your sibling
- Cleaning your house because it is satisfying rather than because you want to avoid making your roommate angry
How do you use intrinsic motivation in a sentence?
Examples might include:
- Rather than external accolades, intrinsic motivation compelled her to finish the race.
- Intrinsic motivation is often more effective at achieving long-term goals than external motivations.
- People with intrinsic motivation are often more self-confident and experience more self-satisfaction at the accomplishment of a goal.
What is an example of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the workplace?
Studies are plentiful on how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations play a role in workplace productivity and satisfaction, and the evidence is strong that intrinsic is a more effective motivator. However, there is also evidence that enhancing intrinsic motivators with external rewards is an even more effective strategy to boost workplace productivity and satisfaction. Here are examples of how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation may influence employees:
Intrinsic motivation
An employee who is intrinsically motivated in the workplace might be driven by personal satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment, and a passion for their work. For example, an employee who is passionate about their job as a writer might be motivated by the creative process, the opportunity to express their artistic talents, and the sense of fulfillment they get from producing high-quality content.
Extrinsic motivation
An employee who is extrinsically motivated in the workplace might be driven by factors like reward, recognition, and incentives. For example, an employee who performs well in their job as a sales representative might covet the awards and recognition and be driven by financial bonuses or promotions.
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation combined
Both types of motivation can be utilized together to achieve optimal performance in the workplace. For example, a writer motivated by intrinsic and extrinsic rewards may be driven by their passion for their job but also motivated to work harder when there is a bonus incentive.
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation aren’t limited to influencing human behavior. Another example of how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation might apply to the workplace is within the areas of artificial intelligence and robotics. Artificial agents (like robots) have traditionally been programmed with externally imposed motivation. However, scientists can use computational approaches in designing artificial agents that exhibit intrinsically rewarding behaviors like curiosity and exploration.
What are examples of extrinsic motivation?
There are many situations in which individuals may be motivated by external factors over internal. For example:
- Cleaning your house because you don’t want to upset your roommate.
- Engaging in a new activity because your partner wants you to participate with them
- Frequenting the same grocery store for the loyalty program rewards
- Traveling to new places because you want to impress your social media followers
- Volunteering at a shelter because you need school credits or it looks good on a resume
- Studying a particular subject to make your parents happy, not because you enjoy it
- Helping other people because you’re a “people pleaser” and you need praise
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