🧭Motivation Explained

Good Day, and welcome to The Growth Compass. We are like that handy to-do list that helps remove uncertainty from your day and leaves you prepared, happy, and ready to take on every challenge of the day.

Here’s where we’re headed today:

• Daniel Pink on intrinsic motivation and drive

• Why intrinsic motivation matters

• 3 techniques on how to get more motivated

• Andrew Huberman and others on motivation

Daniel Pink on Motivation and Drive

"Intrinsic motivation - the drive to do something because it is interesting, challenging, and absorbing is essential for high levels of creativity."

- Daniel Pink, author of Drive

Why Intrinsic Motivation Matters

In a world driven by deadlines, goals, and external rewards, there exists a potent force that goes beyond mere duty or incentive – intrinsic motivation. It's the spark that guides you to engage in activities for the sheer joy, interest, or personal fulfillment they bring. Today, we deep-dive into intrinsic motivation to not only how it sheds light on human behavior but also how it holds the key to unlocking untapped potential and authentic satisfaction.

What is Intrinsic Motivation? Intrinsic motivation is when you do something because you find it personally satisfying or enjoyable, not because you're getting a prize or reward.

Why Intrinsic Motivation Matters: Intrinsic motivation matters because it helps you stay interested and committed to things you enjoy. As a result, it makes you better at them and happier overall, whereas relying on rewards alone may not work as well.

1. Enhanced Performance: Activities pursued out of intrinsic motivation often lead to better performance, as the natural interest and enthusiasm drive individuals to put forth their best efforts and explore creative solutions.

2. Sustained Commitment: Intrinsic motivation fosters long-term engagement. Unlike external rewards that may fade once obtained, the inherent satisfaction derived from the activity itself keeps individuals invested over time.

3. Personal Fulfillment: Engaging in activities driven by intrinsic motivation generates a deep sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment. It cultivates a positive emotional state that transcends monetary gains or external recognition.

Intrinsic motivation isn't a fleeting phenomenon; it's a powerful force that fuels achievement, fosters personal growth, and enriches the human experience. By nurturing this internal drive, you embark on a journey of authentic engagement, meaningful accomplishments, and a deeper connection to your passions.

How to Get More Motivated

I can’t tell you how many people ask me, “How can I be more motivated?“ The quest for true, intrinsic motivation becomes crucial for sustaining genuine passion and long-term fulfillment. Today, we talk about 3 research-backed ways to get yourself motivated and how to transform effort from a daunting task into a source of intrinsic motivation.

1. The Effort Must Be the Reward: Instead of viewing effort as a painful or burdensome task, you should learn to appreciate the inherent satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that come from putting in hard work. Effort can be physically and mentally taxing, but it's during these challenging moments that the brain can release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation. Research suggests that individuals who find intrinsic satisfaction in their tasks are more likely to persist and excel (Ryan & Deci, 2000). By recognizing this and actively seeking the positive aspects of effort, you can train yourself to find fulfillment and enjoyment in the process of tackling difficult tasks.

   Takeaway: Change your self-talk and perception of effort. Say “I enjoy the effort because it means that I have accomplished something today.”

2. Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: There is a difference between intrinsic motivation, driven by internal factors such as personal enjoyment, curiosity, or a sense of purpose, and extrinsic motivation, which relies on external rewards like grades, trophies, or monetary incentives. Research has shown that when people are intrinsically motivated, they are more likely to sustain their efforts over the long term and perform at their best. On the other hand, when motivation primarily comes from external rewards, the task may become less enjoyable, and individuals may be less likely to engage in it willingly. Your journey needs to be driven by your internal motivation. Look to your passions and find joy in the process of doing the work because when you become too results-focused then you are more likely to burn out or stagnate.

   Takeaway: Think about how you can build intrinsic motivation into your daily habits. You may not enjoy everything you do, but look at your WHY and the real purpose for what you are trying to accomplish.

3. Cultivating a Growth Mindset: The concept of a growth mindset, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, involves embracing challenges and viewing effort as a pathway to improvement. People with a growth mindset see learning and growth as valuable in themselves, irrespective of the outcome or external rewards. They understand that making mistakes and facing difficulties are part of the journey towards mastery. Research indicates that a growth mindset fosters intrinsic motivation, with studies showing a 30% increase in students' willingness to embrace challenges when they believe their abilities can improve through effort (Haimovitz & Dweck, 2017).

   By focusing on the effort, embracing challenges, and accepting that you are "not there yet," you can develop a growth mindset. This mindset promotes a willingness to learn, adapt, and persevere, ultimately leading to better performance and personal development.

   Takeaway: Change your daily language, mindset, and perception to drive more of a growth mindset.

Ryan Holiday and Andrew Huberman on Motivation

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