Today is Monday. Social media feeds all over will be full of #motivationmonday posts. The fact that it's Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer just means more people will be thinking about how they want to finish out the year. Which means even more #motivationmonday posts than normal. Put simply, motivation is the driving force that gets us to do something. Motivation can be boiled down to two types: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivations are drivers that are from a outside source. For example: I want to get into shape because the hot chick at work likes fit guys. Intrinsic motivations are drivers from within. For example: I want to get into shape because I feel better about myself when I'm taking care of myself.
Both types of motivation can and should be used to get you wherever you want to go. That being said each type of motivation has to be used at the right time in order to be effective. I've been talking specifically about intrinsic and extrinsic motivation but each of these can be broadened to encompass different specific motivations. I'm going to talk about a few of these different motivations.
- Incentive (extrinsic)- you're going to get a reward. It may be a raise or promotion at work. Or you may get the attention of the hot chick at work if you get into shape. In order for an incentive to be motivating it has to be something that is outside the norm but not too far outside. If you don't think it's possible to do what's needed for the reward then you won't even try. So the reward has to be (perceived as) attainable with extra work.
- Fear (extrinsic)- you're going to lose something or get hurt. Your physical or mental health may be in jeopardy. Maybe it's financial repercussions or loss of your social circle. Fear can be a great motivator if, and only if, the fear is big enough to spark action. Think of a lion running toward you growling. Now think of a house cat doing the same.
- Purpose (intrinsic)- you're making a difference or you're a part of something. You feel like what you're doing is shaping the bigger picture. This could mean your affecting things at home, work or with your friends. Knowing they'll be a part of the end product drives people to work harder.
- Mastery (intrinsic)- you're getting better. It may be that you're work or workouts are getting easier. In order for mastery to be a motivator there has to be clear progress markers. Going from blue belt to black belt, getting a promotion at work or going from lifting 100lb to 200lb all show improvement. Reaching these markers helps to propel you to the next marker.
Again, these are only a few specific motivators. There are plenty more that can be used and certain motivators will only motivate certain people. The point here is to highlight differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. Extrinsic motivations can be taken away (the lion isn't running toward you anymore; the raise is off the table; the hot chick changed jobs) so they have to be taken advantage of quickly. Extrinsic motivation are usually great to get started. Then if/when they are used correctly they can lead to long lasting intrinsic motivations. Then all it takes is periodic reminders of your intrinsic motivators to continue moving toward your goal.
