Tina
- Jun 29, 2022
- 4 min read

What is intrinsic motivation? | Examples and how to find it

Intrinsic motivation comes from within, as opposed to extrinsic motivation which comes from external factors.

People who are intrinsically motivated tend to be more successful and happier because they're driven by personal satisfaction, rather than external rewards.

So how do you find your intrinsic motivation?

Start by thinking about what you're passionate about and what makes you happy.

From there, you can set goals that are in line with your passions and work towards them. It may not be easy, but it'll be worth it in the end!

Keep reading to find out all about intrinsic motivation: what it is, how to access it, and how it can change your life.

Disclaimer: this blog contains affiliate links. As a member of the Amazon Associates Program, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.

What is intrinsic motivation and how to find it

Intrinsic motivation is the desire to do something because it's personally rewarding, not because it leads to external rewards.

It's driven by a personal interest or enjoyment in the task itself. For example, you might be intrinsically motivated to play the piano because you enjoy the challenge and satisfaction that comes with it.

Developmental psychology places a lot of emphasis on the idea of intrinsic motivation, which is crucially connected to spontaneous exploration and curiosity.

It's been suggested that it is an important process for human cognitive development and thus plays a role in our overall well-being.

People who are intrinsically motivated are usually more successful and happier than those who are extrinsically motivated.

This is because they're driven by personal satisfaction, rather than external rewards.

Intrinsic motivation vs. extrinsic motivation

So, what's the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation comes from within, while extrinsic motivation comes from external factors.

Extrinsic motivation is when you're motivated to do something because of external rewards, such as money, grades, or praise. An example is doing your job well so that you can get a promotion (which comes with a financial reward).

Do you go to work because you like your job or because you need the money?

I love my job
I need the money
I would still do the same job for less money

Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is when you're motivated to do something because it's personally rewarding, not because of external rewards.

You might be intrinsically motivated to read a book because you enjoy the challenge and satisfaction that comes with it.

How to find intrinsic motivation

If you're struggling to find your intrinsic motivation, there are a few ways to get started.

First, think about what you're passionate about and what makes you happy. From there, you can set goals that are realistic and enjoyable to achieve.

It's also important to keep in mind that intrinsic motivation often comes from taking on challenges. So don't be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone!

Why intrinsic motivation is important

Intrinsic motivation is important because it's closely linked to success and happiness.

People who are intrinsically motivated tend to be more successful than those who are extrinsically motivated.

This is because they're driven by personal satisfaction, rather than external rewards.

Intrinsic motivation is also linked to happiness. This is because it allows you to do something for the pure enjoyment of it, rather than because you feel like you have to.

When you're intrinsically motivated, you're more likely to stick with a task and see it through to the end.

How to achieve success with intrinsic motivation

While extrinsic motivation may get you started on a task, it's usually not enough to see it through to the end.

This is where intrinsic motivation comes in.

When you're intrinsically motivated, you're more likely to stick with a task and complete it. It gives a different type of satisfaction that comes from within, rather than from external rewards.

If you're looking for ways to achieve success with intrinsic motivation, here are a few tips:

Find something you're passionate about: When you're passionate about something, it's easier to be intrinsically motivated to do it.
Set realistic and enjoyable goals: Goals that are realistic and enjoyable to achieve are more likely to keep you motivated.
Challenge yourself: Challenging yourself is a great way to find intrinsic motivation. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can lead to a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Take pride in your work: Taking pride in your work is another way to stay intrinsically motivated. When you're proud of your work, it's easier to find the motivation to keep going.

Intrinsic motivation is a powerful tool that can help you achieve success and happiness. By finding what you're passionate about and setting realistic and enjoyable goals, you can set yourself up for long-term success!

The benefits of being intrinsically motivated

Are you curious about the benefits of intrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation has been linked to a number of positive outcomes, including:

improved performance
increased satisfaction
better concentration
greater creativity
stronger work ethic
higher grades
improved self-esteem

If you're looking for ways to improve your life, intrinsic motivation is a great place to start!

Examples of intrinsic motivation

Still not sure what intrinsic motivation is?

Here are a few examples:

You read a book because you enjoy the challenge and satisfaction that comes with it.
You exercise because you enjoy the way it makes you feel.
You work on a project because you're curious about the outcome.
You eat healthy because you want to feel good not because you want to lose weight because people said you need to.

As you can see, intrinsic motivation comes from within. It's not driven by external rewards or punishments.

These are all examples of intrinsic motivation. As you can see, the driving force behind these activities is internal, rather than external.

Why you should pursue your passions

If you're not sure what you're passionate about, it can be helpful to explore different options.

Pursuing your passions is a great way to find intrinsic motivation. When you're passionate about something, it's easy to find the motivation to do it.

Passions are usually driven by intrinsic motivation rather than extrinsic motivation. This means that they come from within, rather than from external rewards.

Plus, pursuing your passions can lead to a number of other benefits, including:

improved mental and physical health
increased happiness
greater satisfaction
improved work/life balance
stronger relationships

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and pursue your passions!

Conclusion

Intrinsic motivation is a powerful tool to use for self-motivation. It is linked to success and happiness.

People who are intrinsically motivated tend to be more successful than those who are extrinsically motivated because they believe in their passions and dreams and don't simply do them for external rewards like money.

Pursuing your passions is a great way to achieve intrinsic motivation. When you're passionate about something, it's easy to find the motivation to do it.

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