What is intrinsic motivation, how does it matter


Intrinsic motivation refers to a motivation that comes from within, an internal motivation. It is a driving force within you that will be satisfied by things that matter internally to you. You are motivated to do something because it makes you feel good inside. You feel it is the right thing to do and it makes you a better person.

The opposite of this is called extrinsic motivation. This is when external things motivate people to do things. Praise or rewards of any kind are types of extrinsic motivation. Both are equally important and strong motivators, but intrinsic motivation can help a person to feel better about themselves.


There is an inner feeling of joy when you know you have accomplished something just because you wanted to. People who have hobbies or do volunteer work can get this feeling often. They are motivated by nothing except what standards they have set for themselves. Doing something for no other reason then just to do it or for the enjoyment it brings to you is intrinsic motivation.

There is motivation behind everything that people do. Whatever goal a person chooses should be something that is important to them and they feel is for the betterment of themselves. This helps a person to become motivated to accomplish this goal and to stay motivated while working toward it.

Intrinsic motivation is the extra push from within you to finish what you have started. Just when you think you can't do anymore or you are feeling completely frustrated it gives you that little bit of extra oomph.

When a common goal is found and you use your intrinsic motivation with others, huge things can be accomplished. Sharing your goals with friends and family is a great way to keep motivated. They will keep you accountable and give you support when you need it the most.

Motivation is a behavior and only you can choose what will motivate you the most. Extrinsic motivation can be very enticing and rewarding; however intrinsic motivation will probably make you feel better about yourself.

It is thought that people who achieve a higher education and people whose work ethics have led them to succeed have a high intrinsic motivation. They do things for no other reason then to improve themselves and be the best at whatever it is they want to be.

Intrinsic motivation is something that people can control. People know how much time and effort they put into achieving their goal. This makes it easier for people to feel encouragement and excitement when steps are being made toward the big goal. They know what they have done and can see the progress being made.

Writing down a list of things that are important to you and goals you want to achieve is a good way to focus on the things that are most important to you. Making smaller goals that you can accomplish along the way is a good way to stay motivated. Only you can choose for yourself what your goals will be and what will motivate you to do them. The more you like the goals that you have set and the more excited you can feel about doing them, the easier it will be to find the motivation to keep going.

Intrinsic motivation will be something that you will be able to judge and feel within yourself. The morals, ethics, and things you find most important will be for only you to know. Anything that motivates you towards whatever goals you have is a good thing, but intrinsic motivation will definitely bring you the most inner joy and happiness.

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