INTRINSIC MOTIVATION
BY ADMIN PUBLISHED April 20, 2021, UPDATED January 3, 2023
‘You can motivate by fear and you can motivate by reward. But both these methods are temporary. The only lasting thing is self-motivation.’ By Homer Rice
The word “intrinsic” means something which is inherent by nature. It is sometimes referred to as “inner”, i.e. something coming from within. Intrinsic motivation is an inner drive that propels a person to pursue an activity, not for external rewards, but because the action itself is enjoyable. An example of intrinsic motivation can be reading a book because we enjoy reading and have an interest in the story or subject. By being more intrinsically motivated, we can find enjoyment in our activities regardless of the outcome; we get inner confidence and don’t need external validation; and we can persist through setbacks by taking the long-term view.
Intrinsic motivation can be cultivated in anyone, especially amongst students by instilling curiosity as it pushes one to explore and learn to have sole pleasure of learning and mastery. It also encourages them to accept and face challenges. Recognition is another important way of getting intrinsically motivated.
People have an innate desire to be appreciated, so when efforts are recognized and appreciated by others, satisfaction becomes a reward in and of itself.
It is well said by Confucius, a famous Chinese philosopher that “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” And to adopt and achieve these we have to be motivated intrinsically.
Ananya Agarwal
8 A
