intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation

Remember in Week 1, we talked about why we do what we do?

Let’s touch a little more on this topic as we remind ourselves what motivated us to be here in the first place.

There are two types of motivation
Intrinsic vs Extrinsic motivation
Intrinsic comes from within, our brain & heart.
Extrinsic comes from outside, external factors.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with extrinsic motivation, both are needed.
However, it has been shown that to reach a particularly difficult goal, there must be some form of intrinsic motivation.
Above is a diagram showcasing the difference between the two. 

More on intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation refers to a type of motivation that comes from within the individual, and is driven by personal interests, enjoyment, or a sense of purpose, and is often associated with increased engagement, creativity, and satisfaction.

Examples of intrinsic motivation could include:

• Engaging in a hobby or activity for personal enjoyment or fulfillment

• Pursuing a task or project because of personal interest or curiosity

• Engaging in physical exercise for the feeling of accomplishment or self-improvement

• Helping others because of a sense of empathy or a desire to make a positive impact

More on Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation refers to motivation that comes from external factors, such as rewards (e.g. money, grades, praise) or punishments (e.g. fines, criticism, disapproval). Extrinsic motivation is often used as a way to influence behavior, and can be effective in certain situations. However, it can also have negative effects, such as reducing intrinsic motivation or leading to a focus on external rewards rather than the task itself.

Some examples of extrinsic motivation include:

• Monetary rewards: being paid for completing a task or achieving a goal

• Bonuses or incentives: receiving a bonus for meeting or exceeding performance targets

• Recognition or praise: receiving recognition or praise for a job well done

• Grades or scores: earning a high grade or score on an exam or assignment

• Competition: participating in a competition with the chance to win a prize

When are these motivations best used?

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can be used in different ways and in different situations, depending on the desired outcome.

Intrinsic motivation is best used when the goal is to foster long-term engagement and a love for learning. This type of motivation can lead to increased creativity, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. Intrinsic motivation is particularly important in educational settings, where the focus is on helping students develop a love for learning and a desire to continue learning throughout their lives.

Extrinsic motivation can be useful in situations where a quick or short-term change in behavior is desired. For example, offering a bonus or recognition for meeting performance targets can be an effective way to motivate employees to increase their productivity. Extrinsic motivation can also be used as a way to influence behavior in specific situations, such as encouraging people to follow safety regulations.

It's important to note that while extrinsic motivation can be effective in certain situations, it can also have negative effects such as reducing intrinsic motivation or leading to a focus on the reward rather than the task itself. Therefore, a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is often the best approach.

The question is, what is your current motivation for doing what you do?