Intrinsic Motivation
"Why"
In my previous blog I have discussed what it means to be extrinsically motivated, and as well as how this motivation can be beneficial for individuals. In this blog I will be addressing the other type of motivation, how it's beneficial, and which do I believe is a better source type of motivator.
According to Verywell Mind (2022) intrinsic motivation is, "the motivation to engage in a behavior because of the inherent satisfaction of the activity rather than the desire for a reward or specific outcome. According to "Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and Behavior with Concept Maps," intrinsic motivation occurs when we act without any obvious external rewards: "We simply enjoy an activity or see it as an opportunity to explore, learn, and actualize our potentials...The three main elements of intrinsic motivation are autonomy, purpose, and mastery. People are intrinsically motivated when they can act independently, feel that their efforts matter, and gain satisfaction from becoming more skilled" (Cherry).
The main way to differentiate internal motivation from external motivation is by analyzing the motivators. Whereas for external, motivation does come from worldly and outside variables. This can include variables such as praise, incentives, rewards, etc.. For internal, motivation comes from oneself and not worldly and outside variables. This can include variables such as passions, desires, values, etc. Although, both types of motivations can be beneficial, internal motivation is more useful when looking at longevity and continuing one’s drive for their goal. However, switching your mindset from being intrinsically motivated from externally motivated can be difficult. Though, here can be some helpful ways that could ease the transition.
Ways to become internally motivated:
1. Establishing goals that are meaningful: the main part of being internally motivated is to find out what your values are that can lead you to growing and developing as an individual and fulfill you. Once you have determined your values and what drives you could break them down into smaller things so that you are able to mark off accomplishments bit by bit.
2. Progress > Outcome: Rather than solely looking at the rewards you will reap from accomplishing something, look deeper into what give you intrinsic satisfaction. Enjoying the process will help lead you to fulfillment while reaching your goals.
3. Becoming self-aware: Continuously reflecting on what is important to you such as interests, long-term aspirations, values, etc. can help lead you to figuring out your purpose.
4. Embracing the journey: along the way to accomplish your goals and desires remember to the important part is to become empowered by what you are doing because you love and have joy doing it. Embrace this journey and what it is rather than focusing on validation or approval for other individuals.
Internal motivation as I have mentioned earlier is great for driving and individual to continuing to pursue their desires because is aligns with who they are and what makes them happy. What drives them. Among, this there are other benefits from this type of motivation.
Benefits of internal motivation:
1. Resilience: it is normal that when on a journey to accomplish a set goal, that there will be challenges and setbacks. When this occurs, it is easy to become discouraged and to even be tempted to give up. However, the key is to remember the reason why you chose this goal in the beginning. When becoming intrinsically motivated you will be more likely to embrace the challenge and setbacks because you have determined your purpose and passion. Meaning you are less likely to give up.
2. Success and longevity: if you solely focus on the external rewards this can begin to fuel you less and less as time passes. However, focusing internally can lead to not only long-term success but also can lead you to becoming more satisfied and growing as an individual.
3. Authenticity: By deeply analyzing and looking into yourself and finding out what your passions are and what motivates you can help lead you to living a more authentic life. By focusing on what truly makes you happy rather than what makes other happy can help create a life more fulfilling to you.
From extrinsic to intrinsic
Growing up it is safe to say that I was extrinsically motivated, especially when it came to sports. When I was younger, I would often be rewarded for doing well in sports and in school. This could be anything from getting a few bucks, a post on Facebook, going for ice cream, etc. but by receiving these things made me want to continue to do better because I loved reaping the external rewards. As I got older those my external motivators faded. Before every season I set out and made goals for myself and my team that I wanted to accomplish. In high school every year I wanted to make the first teams, win team MVP, become player of the year, and break records. All the variables were external variables that motivated me in working hard and continuously getting better. I thrived on competing against people and focusing on winning those competitions. Winning and the outcome were the most important things to me. This thinking followed me into my freshmen year of college all the way until the summer before my sophomore year.
May 2020 through August 2020 was a very transformational time for me. Both physically and mentally. Forced to be at home and becoming isolated because of covid made mindset begin to shift when it came to motivate me. For the first time I was in a period where people weren't caring, because the outside world was practically shut down. As a result of this I began to become very undisciplined until one day I just wanted a change. At first, I was determined to push myself because I wanted to impress my coaches when I got back to school by how well of shape I was in and proud of how hard I worked while being at home. However, over time I began to realize what was important to me. I realized my biggest competition was no other individual, but it was myself. That summer was the beginning on me learning to fall in love with the process of getting better. That fall semester I took a leadership class and was introduced to the topics of intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. To me this fascinated me because I began to realize all my life, I had been extrinsically motivated and though I was learning to become intrinsically motivated, I still was motivated by external factors. Largely because I had not figured out my "why" yet.
What is a "why"
Many people wonder what their purpose in life in supposed to be and why they're supposed to do. What's their "why". Why is it we do the things we do? Why do we partake activities? Why do things? This question is so small but can mean so much when it comes to figuring out who you are, what motivates you, what makes you happy, and what's your purpose. When you figure out your why the journey of two accomplishing your goals become more intrinsically motivated because you are focused on things that give you happiness and fulfillment, rather than looking for external validation. But how do you figure out your "why"?
Figuring out your Why
1. Reflection on what you're passionate about: Deeply analyzing on what makes you passionate can unlock your deeper calling and what your purpose can be.
2. Analyze your strengths: What are your skills? abilities? talents? Once figuring this out, then begin to consider how these attributes can positively make an impact and how you can use these things for your purpose.
3. Consider your values: what are your core values? what do you stand for? figuring this out can help you make better decisions when embarking on your journey.
Figuring out my why
As an athlete it is easy to have your sport become your identity, especially when you have dedicated majority of your life to it. This is what happened for me. I have been playing basketball since I was five years old. I have devoted many summers willingly for camps and AAU games because of how much I love. I was always the person who was so excited to go to practice every single day because I enjoyed doing what I did so much. However, because I cared so much about the sport it became my identity. My junior year when I went through a really bad slump, I began to view myself I a negative light because of how I was performing. I was allowing external factors and validation from other that I received from playing well to determine myself worth. During this time, I felt extremely unmotivated because I was no longer receiving the results I once got. I started to see our team’s sports psychologist during this time I she made me really think about who I was without basketball, because this chapter of my life will eventually end. When it does, who am I? What are my passions? What are my interests? What are my strengths? What is my why?
Reflection on my passions: During this time, it was hard for me to truly think of things I was passionate about that didn't involve basketball. Eventually I did come up with somethings. I love learning about psychology, I love helping people when they are struggling, I love being a part of a team.
Analyzing my strengths: Outside of my sport, qualities that I have is that I am kind, genuine, a good listener, open-minded.
Considering my values: At the time this I didn't have an answer because I had never really thought about what I stood for. All I knew is that I cared about people, and wanted to help individuals who went through similar experiences like me.
Me today
Throughout my college journey I have had many joys and struggles. Throughout my college journey I have had many joys and struggles. I have accomplished many goals that I have set and have been given many opportunities. Without my struggles throughout my journey, I would have not found out why true calling is. From this experience it made begin to think and by think, I mean, really think about who I am as a person. From my analyzation I realized that throughout my journey as an athlete I have been exposed to being a part of something bigger than me and learning how to put those around me first. However, I have also realized that helping people who are struggling whatever that may be and helping them get through something, makes me fill fulfilled. I also love sports, it's apart of who I am. From there that that was my "why". Helping athletes who are struggling like I did, and being the person that my sports psychologist was for me.
I won't say that I do not have negative reactions after a bad performance or a loss, because I hate to lose, and I hate to feel like I have not performed at the standard I have set. However, I no longer allow those said performances to determine myself worth because I know I am meant more for than just a basketball game, and there is more to me than being a basketball player. I know have long term goals that I want to achieve not because of validation or recognition from my peers, family, friends, etc. but I want to achieve them because I know by accomplishing my goals of becoming a sports psychologist and helping athletes is what I am passionate about. It’s my why.
My time as an athlete is almost up, and although I am sad that a chapter that has become such a huge part of my life is closing. I am excited because it only means that another one is beginning. One that makes me one step closer to accomplishing my new goals and becoming the authentic version of me.
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