An Example of Intrinsic Motivation: How to Stay Motivated at Work (2023)
An instance of innate drive.
A great example of intrinsic motivation is a person pursuing a hobby solely for personal satisfaction or enjoyment. For instance, someone who takes up music as a hobby and spends hours practicing and perfecting their skills without any external rewards or incentives.
They enjoy the process of creating music and derive satisfaction from seeing their progress over time.
Another example is a person who volunteers regularly for a cause or organization they believe in. They are not motivated by external rewards or recognition but rather the fulfillment they get from making a difference in the world.
These examples show that intrinsic motivation can be developed and sustained. It requires a mindset shift from focusing solely on external rewards to valuing and enjoying the process of the task at hand.
Check out this Youtube video: “Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Motivation” to gain valuable insights into the importance of intrinsic motivation, which could help you become more engaged and driven in your work.
What is Intrinsic Motivation?
Intrinsic motivation is a type of motivation that comes from within an individual, driven by the satisfaction or enjoyment derived from doing an activity. It is different from extrinsic motivation, which comes from external factors such as rewards and punishments.
Intrinsically Motivated Illustration
An example of intrinsic motivation is studying a subject that one is passionate about, even if it is not required for a job or a degree. This type of motivation arises from within the individual and is driven by personal satisfaction or enjoyment.
Another example is pursuing a hobby because it brings joy and fulfillment, rather than for external rewards or recognition.
An Example of Intrinsic Motivation
One example of intrinsic motivation is learning a new skill just for the joy of it, without any external reward or pressure. For instance, someone who wants to learn to play a musical instrument because they find it exciting and enjoyable, not because they want to perform on stage or impress anyone.
Another example can be engaging in a hobby like painting or gardening, where the person finds it fulfilling to create something from scratch and see the results of their own efforts.
Intrinsic motivation can also be seen in the workplace, where an employee takes on an extra task or project because they find it interesting and challenging, not because they want a promotion or bonus.
Ultimately, intrinsic motivation is driven by personal satisfaction and enjoyment, which can lead to greater job satisfaction, personal growth, and higher levels of engagement and productivity.
Factors that Affect Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is the type of motivation that comes from within oneself. Nothing from the outside serves as an incentive since the intrinsic reward is the satisfaction obtained from performing the task itself.
In order to become intrinsically motivated, one must keep in mind the following factors that influence it:
Internal Factors
The internal factors play a crucial role in the development of intrinsic motivation. Examples of these factors are autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
Autonomy refers to one’s independence and self-determination. An example of intrinsic motivation through autonomy is when someone voluntarily chooses to do something out of personal interest or curiosity.
Mastery happens when a person is continually improving or developing their skills. When someone learns a new skill, satisfaction and enjoyment are gained through the process of learning.
Purpose is defined as the need to contribute to a greater cause. When someone believes in a cause and contributes to it, they find happiness and fulfillment in their work.
External Factors
While intrinsic motivation comes from within, external factors can either enhance or diminish its effects. Acknowledging these external factors can contribute to the continuous improvement of intrinsic motivation.
Some external factors that affect intrinsic motivation are feedback, rewards, recognition, and environment. Positive feedback can help maintain the enthusiasm of a person towards the task.
Rewards may also drive intrinsic motivation if they are received as experiential, rather than tangible. Recognition may lead to intrinsic motivation when it is earned through hard work.
Lastly, the environment also plays a role in intrinsic motivation since it affects an individual’s emotions and attitude towards work.
Ways to Develop Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is an internal drive that propels individuals to engage in activities that bring personal satisfaction, enjoyment, and fulfillment, without seeking external rewards or avoiding punishment. Here are some ways to develop intrinsic motivation:
Set Goals and Milestones
Setting goals and objectives aligned with personal aspirations is an effective way to sustain intrinsic motivation. For example, if an employee sets a personal goal to write an article every week, they will likely feel more motivated to work towards that goal and feel a sense of accomplishment after completing each article.
This validation encourages intrinsic motivation and fulfillment.
Take Ownership and Responsibility
Owning one’s work and understanding its impact leads to higher intrinsic motivation. For example, if employees are given autonomy and are trusted to work on a project, they will feel a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the outcome, thus encouraging intrinsic motivation.
Recognize Achievements
It is crucial to celebrate accomplishments, no matter how small, to provide a sense of validation that endorses intrinsic motivation. For instance, if an employee achieves their sales target, their manager can recognize their achievement by providing positive feedback and acknowledging their efforts.
This will encourage the employee to repeat and even exceed the positive behavior, enforcing their sense of fulfillment.
Intrinsic Motivation in the Workplace
Intrinsic motivation in the workplace can lead to significant benefits for both employees and organizations. When an individual is motivated by personal satisfaction or enjoyment instead of external factors like reward or punishment, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and committed to their work.
The Role of Leaders and Managers
Leaders and managers play a crucial role in creating a culture that fosters intrinsic motivation. They can help employees connect their work to a sense of purpose, encourage autonomy, and provide opportunities for mastery.
For example, managers can create opportunities for employees to take on new challenges and learn new skills. This can help employees feel a sense of competency and gain a sense of achievement, leading to increased motivation and engagement.
Additionally, leaders can cultivate a sense of purpose by helping employees understand how their work contributes to the overall mission and goals of the organization. When employees understand how their contributions make a difference, they are more likely to feel a sense of pride and ownership over their work.
Finally, leaders and managers can encourage autonomy by allowing employees to have more control over their work and encouraging them to take ownership of their projects. This can help employees feel a sense of agency and increase their motivation to succeed.
Developing Intrinsic Motivation
There are several ways to develop intrinsic motivation, including:
Focus on Personal Growth
Improving oneself can give a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can lead to motivation. This can be achieved through learning new skills, setting personal goals, and engaging in activities that challenge oneself.
Adopt a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset can help individuals see challenges as opportunities for growth. This can be achieved by reframing negative thoughts, practicing gratitude, and surrounding oneself with positivity.
Create a Nurturing Environment
A supportive environment can foster intrinsic motivation. This can be achieved by providing autonomy, encouraging creativity, and recognizing and rewarding personal growth and accomplishments.
Benefits of Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation has several benefits, including:
An example of intrinsic motivation would be completing a puzzle because you find it enjoyable and challenging, rather than completing it for a reward or praise. This type of motivation comes from within and is driven by personal satisfaction and interest in the task itself.
Other examples of intrinsic motivation include participating in a sport or hobby because it is fun and enjoyable, learning a new skill or language because you find it interesting, or pursuing a creative endeavor for personal fulfillment.
One way to promote intrinsic motivation is to provide opportunities for autonomy, competence, and purpose in the task or activity.
