Skip to main content

The Power of Intrinsic Motivation

The Power of Intrinsic Motivation

The Struggle of Waking Up Early

Waking up early in the morning often feels like a struggle. Why? Because most of the time, the motivation to do so is external. We aim to achieve monetary goals or demonstrate to others how active and hardworking we are. However, these external factors are not always sufficient to sustain our efforts. Consider a scenario where all our needs are met without needing to wake up early. In such a situation, would we still feel compelled to rise at dawn if we didn't internally feel like it? Once our worldly desires are satisfied, the urge to wake up early might diminish.

However, if we genuinely believe that waking up early is beneficial for our health and overall well-being, we are more likely to continue doing so. This belief needs to come from within, rooted in an understanding of the personal benefits, such as improved mental clarity, enhanced productivity, and a sense of accomplishment. When our motivation stems from an internal conviction about the benefits, it becomes much stronger and more enduring.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

When we are not driven by external factors like worldly wishes or desires, it is the internal drive that motivates us. This is known as intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation keeps us moving even in adverse times and situations. For instance, a person who exercises because they enjoy the activity and the way it makes them feel is intrinsically motivated. They are likely to continue exercising regardless of external circumstances.

In contrast, extrinsic motivation is driven by factors outside ourselves. This can include achieving something for someone we love or fulfilling a worldly desire. While extrinsic motivation can be effective in the short term, it tends to fade when the external conditions change. For example, if a person exercises solely to impress someone else, their motivation may diminish once the need to impress is no longer there. Once the desire is satisfied or the person we wanted to impress is no longer in the picture, the motivation diminishes.

The Impact of Physical and Emotional Pain

Physical punishments and tortures, which are related to the world around us, also lose their effect over time. When the punishment is no longer present, or we become desensitised to it, we may stop doing the thing that warranted the punishment. However, emotional pain can have a more lasting impact. This does not mean that we should inflict emotional pain to motivate someone, but it highlights the importance of internal motivation. Emotional pain can linger and influence our behaviour for a long time, potentially leading to changes in our actions that persist even in the absence of external pressures.

For example, a person who has experienced the emotional pain of failure might be motivated to work harder and achieve their goals, driven by a desire to avoid that pain in the future. This intrinsic motivation can be more powerful and enduring than any external punishment or reward.

Examples

An addict who wants to overcome their addiction needs intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic factors, such as pressure from family or the threat of losing a job, might initially drive the person to seek help. However, these external motivations will eventually lose their impact, and the person might relapse once the external pressure is removed. Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is about the person's internal desire to change.

A typical example from my culture is telling an overweight person that they need to lose weight to get married. This is an extrinsic motivation that focuses on external validation rather than internal well-being. The person might start a weight loss journey to attract a better suitor, but what happens if that person is no longer there? Will they continue to take care of themselves? Without intrinsic motivation, the answer is likely no.

Instead, the motivation should come from within. The person should focus on the internal benefits of losing weight, such as feeling good about themselves, being healthier, and performing tasks more effectively. This intrinsic motivation is more sustainable. Even in the absence of external validation, the person will continue to take care of themselves because they value their health and well-being.

The Importance of Internal Motivation

In whatever we do in life, it is crucial to foster intrinsic desires and motivations. Doing things for the sake of internal satisfaction rather than for materialistic rewards or external approval leads to more sustainable and fulfilling outcomes.

For instance, a student who studies because they are passionate about the subject and enjoy learning is more likely to retain information and perform well, compared to a student who studies solely to achieve good grades or avoid punishment. The intrinsically motivated student will continue to pursue knowledge and develop skills even when there are no external rewards at stake.

Whether it's waking up early, taking care of our health, or achieving personal goals, intrinsic motivation ensures that we stay committed and content, regardless of external circumstances. It is this internal drive that enables us to overcome obstacles, maintain our efforts over the long term, and ultimately achieve a greater sense of fulfilment and well-being. By nurturing our intrinsic motivations, we build a foundation for lasting success and happiness.



S. F. Awan
M.Phil. - Clinical Psychology


Labels:
Location: Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Understanding Trauma: Why Healing Takes Time and How the Body Responds

  Trauma survivors endure much more than the initial event. Even after they’ve left the epicentre of harm, trauma lingers—deeply embedded in both the mind and the body. It isn't just about what happened; it's also about how the body continues to react long after the danger has passed. Many people associate trauma only with large-scale tragedies—natural disasters, war, sexual violence, or severe childhood abuse. However, trauma can also stem from situations that are often minimised: relationship breakups, family estrangement, toxic workplaces, sudden losses, chronic illness, accidents, or witnessing distressing events. The common denominator is that the person felt overwhelmed, helpless, or emotionally unsafe. The Hidden Toll of Trauma One of the most misunderstood aspects of trauma is that survivors don’t simply “ get over it .” They may not even be consciously thinking about the traumatic event, yet their nervous system continues to react as if the danger is still pres...
Post a Comment
Read more

Overcoming the Power of Negative Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

 Overcoming the Power of Negative Self-Fulfilling Prophecies Have you ever hesitated to apply for a job, join a new course, or try something outside your comfort zone simply because you thought you weren’t good enough? This common experience is often the result of a self-fulfilling prophecy—a powerful psychological pattern where our negative beliefs shape our reality. Understanding how self-fulfilling prophecies work and learning how to break free from them can open the door to personal growth, greater confidence, and long-term success. Let’s explore this concept more deeply and discover how we can stop our negative beliefs from holding us back. What Is a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy? A self-fulfilling prophecy begins with a belief—often a negative one—that influences our behaviour in such a way that the belief becomes true. It’s a bit like planting a seed of doubt and then unknowingly nurturing it until it grows into the very outcome we feared. For instance, if you believe you will fa...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Imperfect Art of Parenting

 The Imperfect Art of Parenting Parenting Without a Manual While watching an older American television series, I came across a dialogue that resonated deeply: "Every parent messes up the upbringing of their children." This statement made me pause and reflect. The truth is, no one is handed a manual or a catalogue on how to raise a child perfectly. Every parent learns through experience, trial, and error, navigating the unpredictable journey of parenthood as best they can. Many parents hold themselves to impossibly high standards, fearing that any misstep may have lasting consequences on their children. It is important to acknowledge that parenting is not about perfection; it is about doing the best with the knowledge and resources available at any given time. The Challenges of Parenthood Parenting is a complex and demanding role, often accompanied by the pressures of work, household responsibilities, and social obligations. Balancing all these aspects can be overwhelm...
Post a Comment
Read more