We’ve been speaking about how fearless leaders profit from motivation, passion and are able to separate their passion from emotion. Here, we’ll explore two different kinds of motivation.

Intrinsic motivation

Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that is driven by an interest or enjoyment in the task itself. Intrinsic motivation exists within the individual rather than relying on any external pressure.

Intrinsic motivation is based on taking pleasure in an activity rather than working toward an external reward. Students who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to engage in the task willingly as well as work to improve their skills, which will increase their capabilities. Students are likely to be intrinsically motivated if they:

• Attribute their educational results to factors under their own control, also known as autonomy,
• Believe they have the skill that will allow them to be effective agents in reaching desired goals (i.e. the results are not determined by luck),
• Are interested in mastering a topic, rather than just rote-learning to achieve good grades.

Extrinsic motivation

Extrinsic motivation refers to the performance of an activity in order to attain an outcome, which then contradicts intrinsic motivation.

It is widely believed that motivation performs two functions. The first is often referred as to the energetic activation component of the motivation construct. The second is directed at a specific behavior and makes reference to the orientation directional component. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside of the individual.

Common extrinsic motivations are rewards like money and grades, as well as the threat of punishment. Competition is, in general, extrinsic – because it encourages the performer to win and beat others, not simply to enjoy the intrinsic rewards of the activity. A crowd cheering on the individual, and the possibility of winning trophies are also extrinsic incentives.

The concept of motivation can be instilled in children at a very young age, by promoting and evoking interest in a certain book or novel. The idea is to have a discussion with them pertaining to the book and then to reward them.

What kind of motivation drives you? Is it rewards-based or is it something from within? Thanks for sharing.

For questions about this post or for information on becoming a fearless leader, contact Dr. Cathy Greenberg and The Fearless Leader Group at (888) 320-1299 or by email at hello@fearlessequalsfreedom.com.