Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, rather than for any external rewards or incentives. It is driven by an individual's own interests, curiosity, and enjoyment of the activity itself.
Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, refers to the drive
to engage in an activity in order to obtain a specific external reward or
outcome. This type of motivation is often driven by external factors such as
grades, praise, or money.
Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation play important roles
in human behaviour and can influence how we approach and engage in various
activities.
Intrinsic motivation is often seen as more sustainable and
can lead to a deeper level of engagement and enjoyment in an activity. It can
also lead to greater creativity and autonomy, as individuals are motivated to
pursue their own interests and goals.
However, extrinsic motivation can also be effective in
certain situations. For example, if an individual is struggling to engage in an
activity that is important for their well-being, the use of external rewards or
incentives may help to increase their motivation and engagement in the
activity.
It is important to find a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in order to maximize enjoyment and achievement in various endeavours. Identifying what motivates an individual and finding ways to tap into their intrinsic motivation can be helpful, while also using extrinsic motivation as a supplement when needed.
Intrinsic motivation:
Intrinsic motivation is often driven by an individual's own
interests, curiosity, and enjoyment of the activity itself. For example, a
student who is intrinsically motivated to learn a new subject may do so because
they find it interesting and enjoyable, rather than because they are seeking a
good grade or external rewards.
Intrinsic motivation can lead to a deeper level of
engagement and enjoyment in an activity. For example, a runner who is
intrinsically motivated to run may enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and the
physical and mental benefits that come with it, rather than running solely to
win a race or receive external recognition.
Intrinsic motivation can also lead to greater creativity and
autonomy, as individuals are motivated to pursue their own interests and goals.
For example, an artist who is intrinsically motivated to create may be more
likely to experiment with new techniques and explore their own creative ideas,
rather than following a specific set of rules or guidelines.
A hiker who is intrinsically motivated to hike may do so for
the enjoyment of being in nature, the physical challenge, and the sense of
accomplishment that comes with it, rather than for external rewards such as
praise or recognition.
A musician who is intrinsically motivated to play music may
do so because they love the process of creating and performing, rather than for
external rewards such as fame or financial success.
A chef who is intrinsically motivated to cook may do so
because they enjoy the creativity and challenge of creating new recipes and
dishes, rather than for external rewards such as accolades or financial
success.
Extrinsic motivation:
Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or
incentives, such as grades, praise, or money. For example, a student who is
extrinsically motivated to study may do so in order to receive a good grade,
rather than because they find the subject interesting or enjoyable.
Extrinsic motivation can be effective in certain situations,
such as when an individual is struggling to engage in an activity that is
important for their well-being. For example, an individual who is trying to
quit smoking may use extrinsic motivation in the form of a rewards program,
where they receive a small reward every time they meet a specific goal (e.g.
going a certain number of days without smoking).
However, extrinsic motivation can also have negative
effects, such as reducing enjoyment and creativity. For example, if a student
is only motivated to study in order to receive a good grade, they may feel less
enjoyment in the learning process and may be less likely to think creatively or
explore new ideas.
A student who is extrinsically motivated to study may do so
in order to receive a good grade, rather than because they find the subject
interesting or enjoyable.
An athlete who is extrinsically motivated to train may do so
in order to win a competition or receive recognition, rather than for the
enjoyment of the training process itself.
A salesperson who is extrinsically motivated may focus on
meeting sales quotas and earning commissions, rather than on building
relationships with clients or enjoying the process of selling.
In order to maximize enjoyment and achievement in various endeavours
it is important to find a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation Identifying
what motivates an individual and finding ways to tap into their intrinsic
motivation can be helpful, while also using extrinsic motivation as a
supplement when needed.