Every single human on the planet has motivations. It is what drives us to do the things we do. It is the physiological reason behind our actions. However, the type of motivation can change, and it will have an effect on your actions, your behaviors and even how you approach your goals.
Let's Break it Down:
Psychologists have been able to determine that there are two types or categories of Motivation. The first is called Intrinsic Motivation and the second Extrinsic. The difference between the two?
- Extrinsic motivation has to do with external factors. It means you pull your motivation from outside of yourself. These types of people will set a goal or an action either to gain a reward, or avoid punishment.
- Examples: Playing sports to win awards, doing the dishes to avoid getting in trouble with your parents, studying because you want to have the best grade in the class.
- Intrinsic motivation is based on internal factors. These types of individuals are motivated to take actions simply for their own sake. It gives them satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment, and find it personally rewarding.
- Examples: Playing sports because you love the game, doing the dishes because you like to have a clean house and help out, studying hard in school because you like the subjects and learning.
What does it all mean?
Before we go further, let's start by saying there isn’t necessarily a better way between the two motivations. It is just important to understand yourself and others a little bit better. It can help your communication style and others. Furthermore most people are not 100% of the time intrinsic or extrinsic, depending on the situation many of us play both sides. A great way to take advantage of this is to break down in which cases it is better to use one type of motivational approach vs. another.
For example: You need to start a diet to lose weight. But you have ZERO desire internally to do it. Well, giving yourself a reward, like a vacation when you reach your goal way is a great way to increase your internal desire to accomplish this task. In fact, it may even allow you to switch your motivational style to intrinsic over time. It just takes practice and balance.
The takeaway:
It is important to recognize your own motivations and what approach you take when it comes to certain tasks in life. If you have this knowledge you will quickly recognize you have more power and control over how you react to various situations. So to gain this insight do some true introspection or even go online and find some top life coach websites like OnlifeCoach. Once you gain the knowledge, use it! Try to be more purposeful in your behaviors, goals and motivations. Push yourself to change your approach for the best. And remember people are fluid, it is okay to be more one than the other. This is all just a journey to understand yourself and your behavior better.