Discover Three Motivational Forces That Can Drive You to Achieve Anything

Introduction: Motivation is a dynamic force that fluctuates over time. Some days we wake up filled with enthusiasm, ready to conquer our tasks. Other days, we struggle to find the drive, hitting the snooze button and daydreaming about escaping to a tropical paradise. Even within a single day, motivation can vary from peak levels to hitting rock bottom. However, understanding the underlying reasons behind our actions can help reignite motivation during those challenging moments. Whether it’s pushing ourselves to exercise or overcoming procrastination at work, a mental shift that reconnects us with our sources of motivation can provide the necessary boost to accomplish our goals.

When Inspiration Wanes: Unlocking the Power of Three Motivational Types July 17, 2023 – 12:45 PM

Motivation can be broadly categorized into two types: extrinsic and intrinsic. However, recent research has identified a third powerful motivational force that goes beyond these traditional distinctions, providing impressive results.

1. Extrinsic Motivation This type of motivation involves engaging in activities to attain external rewards or avoid undesirable outcomes. Many of our daily actions are driven by extrinsic motivation. For instance, exercising to shed pounds, learning a new language to impress friends, or arriving at work on time to avoid reprimands from the boss. Shawna Clark, the owner of Clark Executive Coaching, explains that extrinsic motivation is fueled by the external benefits we receive from our actions, such as financial gain, perks, and job security. When motivation dwindles, refocusing on these external rewards can swiftly reignite our commitment to a goal or activity. So, if you find yourself dreading your daily commute to a job you’re not passionate about, try shifting your attention to the paycheck that pays the bills, the health insurance coverage, or even the free fruit in the office cafeteria. By redirecting your focus to the external rewards, you can regain your motivation.
2. Intrinsic Motivation Intrinsic motivation stems from an internal desire for success or a sense of purpose. It involves engaging in an activity for the inherent satisfaction it provides, rather than for external consequences or pressures. Although it might be challenging to identify intrinsic motivation in some aspects of our lives, there are often actions we undertake purely because they bring us joy or fulfillment. For example, going for a run to disconnect from the world and enjoy the thrill of jogging or helping a neighbor carry groceries because it genuinely makes us feel good. Clark defines intrinsic motivation as doing something that feels personally rewarding. In the context of work, this might involve finding purpose in your job, cherishing time spent with colleagues, or achieving self-set goals. Research spanning 14 years and examining more than 10,000 cadets at West Point Military Academy revealed that individuals driven by internal motives had a 20 percent higher likelihood of successfully completing their training compared to their peers. Conversely, those with external motivations had a 10 percent lower chance of pursuing a military career and a 20 percent lower chance of early promotion. Therefore, even if the connection between your job and intrinsic motivation isn’t immediately apparent, taking a step back and identifying the aspects that provide a sense of purpose or accomplishment can help rekindle your motivation. As a customer service representative, for instance, you might not find fulfillment in the product your company sells or in handling phone calls, but you can focus on the satisfaction of helping people throughout your day, using that as a source of motivation to continue working hard.
3. Family Motivation For individuals who struggle to find intrinsic or extrinsic motivation in their work, family motivation can play a significant role. A recent study published in the Academy of Management Journal examined a group of factory workers tasked with monotonous daily routines and found that even without intrinsic or extrinsic motivators, some employees were driven by the desire to support their families. These workers, who strongly identified with the statement “I care about supporting my family,” displayed increased energy and performed better on a daily basis, despite not finding the work enjoyable and lacking financial incentives. Family motivation can encompass both intrinsic and extrinsic aspects. If family is a core value for an individual, it can serve as an intrinsic motivator. On the other hand, familial obligations or pressures can act as extrinsic motivators. According to Shawna Clark, family motivation can be a potent driving force, as it provides individuals with an opportunity to affirm their identity as capable and dependable individuals, upon whom their loved ones rely. Therefore, even if work itself lacks personal fulfillment, the desire to provide for one’s family can still serve as a powerful source of inspiration.

Conclusion: Motivation is not a constant state but rather a fluctuating force that impacts our daily lives. Understanding the three distinct types of motivation—extrinsic, intrinsic, and family—allows us to tap into these sources when our motivation wanes. By shifting our focus to external rewards, finding personal fulfillment, or drawing inspiration from the desire to support our loved ones, we can unlock the motivation needed to accomplish our goals, even during challenging times.