Having motivation or “drive” to achieve a set goal can help you build a successful plan to work toward accomplishing it!
There are many factors that drive our motivation, both around us and within in us. Let’s look at how types of motivation differ and things you can do to keep yours high!
What are the two types of motivation?
Understanding the difference between external and internal motivation is important in finding effective strategies to increase motivation.
External motivation is when a person is driven by external factors such as rewards, recognition, or pressure from others. This type of motivation comes from outside sources and can be temporary.
Internal motivation is when a person is driven by their own internal desires, values, and interests. It comes from within and is often more sustainable and long-lasting. When someone is internally motivated, they are more likely to persevere through challenges and setbacks. They are driven by a deep sense of purpose and passion, which fuels their determination and commitment. Internal motivation allows individuals to tap into their innate strengths and talents, and to pursue their goals with unwavering focus and dedication.
Therefore, cultivating and nurturing internal motivation is essential for personal growth and success. By understanding and harnessing our own internal desires and interests, we can unlock our full potential and achieve meaningful and fulfilling lives.
To change external motivation to internal motivation, you can follow these steps:
- Reflect on your values and interests: Take the time to understand what truly matters to you and what you are passionate about. Identifying your values and interests can help you align your goals with your internal desires.
- Find personal meaning: Seek personal meaning in the goals you set. Ask yourself why these goals are important to you and how they contribute to your overall sense of purpose and fulfillment.
- Focus on intrinsic rewards: Shift your focus from external rewards to intrinsic rewards. Find joy and satisfaction in the process of pursuing your goals, the personal growth you experience, and the fulfillment you derive from living in alignment with your values.
- Build self-awareness: Cultivate self-awareness to understand your own motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. By recognizing your own internal drives and desires, you can better tap into your internal motivation.
- Set meaningful goals: Set goals that are personally meaningful and aligned with your values and interests. When you have a deep connection to your goals, you are more likely to be internally motivated to pursue them.
- Practice self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your progress and the reasons why you are pursuing your goals. Regular self-reflection can help you reinforce your internal motivation and stay focused on what truly matters to you.
Remember, changing from external to internal motivation may take time and effort. It is a process of self-discovery and self-awareness. By incorporating these strategies into your life and cultivating your internal motivation, you can achieve greater fulfillment and success in pursuing your goals.