Motivation can be hard to find. Even if you dig down deep, sometimes trying to do something without that drive can be a struggle. Sometimes this is because the motivation is extrinsic instead of intrinsic.
And if those two words we just threw into the mix confused you, don’t worry; We’re going to explain the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. And maybe we’ll come up with an answer as to which ones are better for motivation!
Intrinsic or extrinsic- which is which?
Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation are terms you’ve probably never heard of before. Unless you’ve studied P.E. or Psychology, and because we’re going to be using these words interchangeably, we will need to explain the difference, or this whole article will go down in flames thanks to confusion.
Understanding these two types of motivation is essential, not only for personal growth but also in professional environments, education, and everyday life.
Extrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is driven by external rewards such as money, grades, praise, or other tangible benefits. People who are extrinsically motivated engage in activities not because they find them inherently enjoyable, but because completing these activities results in some type of external reward or helps them avoid negative consequences.
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An example of extrinsic motivation is:
- an employee working overtime to earn a bonus,
- a student studying hard to obtain a high grade,
- or an athlete performing well to receive a trophy.
In each of these cases, the motivation comes from a desire to achieve an outcome that is separate from the activity itself.
While extrinsic motivation can be effective in encouraging people to complete tasks, especially those they might not find enjoyable, it may not always lead to long-term engagement or satisfaction.
Over-reliance on external rewards can diminish intrinsic motivation, especially if the rewards become the primary focus rather than the activity itself.
Intrinsic Motivation
- Write a novel to see if you can reach the word count.
- Wanting to complete the daily Wordle because it's fun and challenging
- Studying for the joy of it
Really, intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity for its own sake, driven by internal rewards or personal satisfaction. People who are intrinsically motivated perform tasks because they find them enjoyable, interesting, or fulfilling.
This type of motivation is often linked to activities that align with an individual's interests, values, or passions.
For example, someone might read a book because they enjoy the story and the process of reading, or they might play a musical instrument to experience the joy of creating music. These activities are pursued without any expectation of external rewards such as money, praise, or recognition.
Research suggests that intrinsic motivation leads to greater creativity, persistence, and satisfaction. It encourages individuals to explore, learn, and achieve mastery over a skill.
Moreover, intrinsic motivation tends to have a longer-lasting impact since it is closely connected to personal fulfillment and well-being.
Why is it important?
Hopefully, we now clearly understand the difference between the two types of motivation and won't mix them up when we mention them again.
Knowing the difference is essential, as it can help you figure out the best ways to motivate others. As you know, when one type doesn’t work, i.e., intrinsic, you can change it to extrinsic and get results that way. In short, it can make you a more motivated and tuned-in leader.
Which one is better?
Extrinsic motivation is excellent when you don’t personally want to do something. And it can be a great gateway to turning something more intrinsic over time. Or when you are providing minimal results, and someone needs you to work faster.
In short, whilst we would like intrinsic motivation to be more prevalent, being motivated that way doesn’t always work. And considering we need both at some point in our lives.
One is not better than the other because both are required. Just be mindful of the appropriate timing for using extrinsic motivation.
Both types of motivation play a significant role in shaping behavior and achieving goals. To create a balanced motivational strategy, it's important to consider the context and purpose of the task.
While intrinsic motivation can foster deeper engagement and personal growth, extrinsic motivation can provide the necessary push to accomplish tasks that are necessary but not inherently enjoyable.
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In workplaces and educational settings, fostering an environment that supports both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can enhance productivity, creativity, and satisfaction.
Employers and educators can encourage intrinsic motivation by providing opportunities for autonomy, mastery, and meaningful challenges, while also recognizing and rewarding achievements appropriately. For example, if you use it too often, then people will expect rewards, and if you do it to replace intrinsic motivation, it won’t work.
Ultimately, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation go hand in hand. You’ve just got to know when one is needed more than the other.
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