How Does Intrinsic Motivation Work?


Motivation can be as diverse as people themselves. Causes and effects of motivation are also multi-faceted. What motivates you may be totally opposite to what motivates others.


When we finally achieve motivation at times it’s short lived because it’s the wrong stimulus to produce lasing results.

Stimuli can come from deep inside the mind and soul or be strictly the possibility of being rewarded.

Intrinsic motivation comes from inside a person rather than from an external source.

He or she is motivated by the sheer pleasure of a task or the sense of satisfaction of working on a task and its eventual completion.

It doesn’t matter if there is no monetary or other physical reward.

If a person is intrinsically motivated he works on a problem or job simply because it’s enjoyable.

He works to seek a solution but enjoys the trip not necessarily the destination. The work is not done for payment or reward.

Some students are intrinsically motivated and enjoy the research and homework for the love of learning and not for the grade they’ll receive.

Such motivation usually results in excellent grades.

In everyday life, a good example is a person who works a crossword puzzle, a word jumble or a jigsaw puzzle.

They enjoy the challenge of learning and achieving knowing that when the puzzle is complete there will be no reward other than self-satisfaction, which is enough.

There are cases where intrinsically motivated people do seek rewards in order to make a living or finish a class but external rewards are not enough to keep them interested.

It takes a challenge for a person to pursue money or good grades because reward alone is not satisfying.

It’s apparent that intrinsic motivation is very desirable, but few fall into this category. Most students, teachers and others need external rewards to keep them motivated.

Factors that promote intrinsic motivation are basically challenge, control, curiosity, fantasy, cooperation, competition and recognition.

Challenge allows a person to work toward a meaningful goal.

Control allows one to control what happens to them. Curiosity stimulates the desire to learn about something.

Fantasy turns learning into a game by using mental images rather than things actually present.

Competition lets a person feel satisfaction by comparing their performance to others.

Cooperation and recognition bring satisfaction and appreciation from others to the motivator.

Extensive research has shown that intrinsic motivation is merely described as what people will do just for the love of doing it.

They’re not working on the task or job to receive any form of external inducement.

Intrinsic Motivation at Work (0)Intrinsic Motivation at Work (0)

Why We Do What We Do: Understanding Self-MotivationWhy We Do What We Do: Understanding Self-Motivation

Intrinsic Motivation at Work: Building Energy and CommitmentIntrinsic Motivation at Work: Building Energy and Commitment

Intrinsic MotivationIntrinsic Motivation

150 Ways to Increase Intrinsic Motivation in the Classroom150 Ways to Increase Intrinsic Motivation in the Classroom

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates UsDrive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us




Learn more of our how to do it tips for motivating yourself every day by using free daily motivation and also get this month's inspirational quotes.

You can also learn more here about how to create your self development plan using this sample or template as a guide.

Did you like this blog post?
Well first, share it so someone else can get some good advice.

Then, subscribe so you don’t miss more – subscribe to my RSS feed at the bottom of this page

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Self Help.

"Power Tips" magazine is back!
You Get A Free Complete Self Help Report delivered to your email box every edition, plus you get a free PLR article and other great gifts!

SUBSCRIBE BELOW ...  I promise you will want to USE what you learn!

I really want to know what you think of this site, this page, and to hear your tips or suggestions about it.

So please share your story or simply add a Comment in the comment box.

If you feel that the information on this page has been useful to you please give it a Like or share it with your friends - thanks!!

"
You are a life Saver!!

I recently discovered this site and I can tell you that my life has not been the same. I now come here EVERYDAY and spend at least 1 hour.

I used to spend that time browsing online fashion and beauty magazine which just means that I spend more. Now I have replaced that habit with coming here.

In future I will think about contributing articles as well. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! and God bless"

Contact Us | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | FAQ | Testimonials

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.