1 - Basic Tools: Getting Motivated

You might believe that motivation is a simple word with just one meaning, but motivation varies in direction, intensity, and results.

Intrinsic motivation means a person is determined to do something based on a natural enjoyment of the activity.  Feelings of self-worth and personal responsibility improve with intrinsic motivation. Surprisingly, the introduction of an external reward to a situation where intrinsic motivation was previously functioning causes a decline in intrinsic motivation. Participating in an activity seems the sole reward for intrinsically motivated tasks.

On the other hand, extrinsic motivation uses external rewards and punishments to control behaviour. An artificial link is established between the individual’s goals and the behaviour he or she follows to reach those goals.

Extrinsic Motivation: Sandra’s father promised her an expensive new coat if she got three A’s on her report card. Therefore, Sandra is motivated to raise her marks by the promise of an external reward—a new coat. How often do parents resort to extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic Motivation: Patricia was so interested in the topic “Early Canadian Explorers” that she spent many hours on her own researching information in the library. Patricia is intrinsically motivated because she finds the activity itself is directly satisfying; she does not have to be pushed by an outside reward.

You have heard frequently that people seldom function at full capacity. Only a fraction of the human potential is ever used. Lack of intrinsic motivation may be partly the cause. An individual’s degree of enthusiasm has just as great an impact on achievement as aptitude and natural talents. What part does intrinsic motivation have in your life?

Robin Williams – In high school he was voted “Least Likely to Succeed”. He became a star of television and many successful movies such as “Mrs. Doubtfire.”