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I recently read the book “Drive” by Daniel Pink. As the subheading of the book states, this book talks about the surprising truth about what motivates us. He talks about the characteristics of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation.
In many areas of our lives, we all rely on extrinsic motivation. However, it is very counterproductive and it has many limitations.
Here are 7 Truths About Motivation and How to Get Motivated Intrinsically.
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“Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.”
Danile Pink – Drive
1. We need to upgrade our motivation techniques
Motivation 1.0 (survival) worked well 1000s of years ago when our only needs were food, shelter, and reproduction.
Motivation 2.0 (Rewards and Punishment) is an outdated method and is still used widely today. This technique doesn’t work well with creativity, it reduces performance, and doesn’t encourage critical thinking.
Motivation 3.0 is a new way of motivating people. It focuses on intrinsic motivation rather than external incentives.
“We have three innate psychological needs—competence, autonomy, and relatedness. When those needs are satisfied, we’re motivated, productive, and happy.”
Daniel Pink – Drive
2. Once you are motivated by the activity itself, you won’t need any external incentives
When we are intrinsically motivated, we will be less concerned with external rewards as the activity itself will satisfy us. We don’t need to be rewarded, as the work itself drives us to fulfillment and satisfaction.
“Goals that people set for themselves and that are devoted to attaining mastery are usually healthy. But goals imposed by others–sales targets, quarterly returns, standardized test scores, and so on–can sometimes have dangerous side effects.”
Daniel Pink
3. Extrinsic motivation leads to an unfulfilled life and declined performance
If we are seeking external rewards for our actions, this can have harmful consequences. It will lead to a decline in performance. You will have a high risk of becoming unfulfilled.
4. Extrinsic rewards kill our desire to learn, to discover, and to help others
If we see the extrinsic rewards as the drive to our life, we will gradually lose our enthusiasm to do things.
“Rewards do not undermine people’s intrinsic motivation for dull tasks because there is little or no intrinsic motivation to be undermined.”
Daniel Pink
5. Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose are the 3 key ingredients to intrinsic motivation
To direct our own life (Autonomy), to make progress and getting better at something (Mastery), and to serve to reach our goals (Purpose). These are the 3 essential elements that will fuel our intrinsic motivation.
6. Once you have the inner urge to perfect, you will get into the flow to achieve your goals
Without getting in the flow, you cannot pass the average. You will not reach your greatest potential. Your drive to perfection leads to passion and dedication. If you bring your passion and commitment to pursue your goals, you can improve any area of your life that is important to you. Without these two ingredients, you can only be average; Average dad, average husband; average sportsman, average artist.
7. Pursuing meaning in life is more motivating than money
Intrinsic goals such as developing personally and helping others are a lot more fulfilling and rewarding than extrinsic goals like becoming rich and famous. People who strive to change something in themselves and in society live a much healthier and satisfying life.
8. Self-determination promotes intrinsic motivation
When we are allowed to have more autonomy, we can potentially achieve more at work. There will be more contentment and less burnout.
Final Say …
So, as you can see, rewards and sanctions have very limited effects on our motivation. On the other hand, passion and dedication are the key ingredients to the force that drives us to near perfection.