What’s the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

1: Getting better at getting better is what RiseWithDrew is all about.

Monday through Thursday, we explore ideas from authors, thought leaders, and exemplary organizations. On Friday, I share something about myself or what we are working on at PCI.

So, what is the difference between the different types of motivation?

Extrinsic motivation comes from outside of us. It’s when we do something for financial gain, recognition, or to win a contest or competition.

Intrinsic motivation refers to behaviors that are driven by internal rewards. We engage in activities because we find them interesting and internally satisfying.

2: If we want to perform at the very highest levels, we must learn how to tap into our intrinsic motivators, Steven Kotler explains in his wonderful book The Art of Impossible.

Doing what we love is all about stacking our intrinsic drivers like curiosity, passion, mastery, autonomy, and purpose.

Today, let’s look at the importance of passion or autotelicity. “When our work becomes autotelic, it feels like play, which is a serious competitive advantage,” Steven’s business partner, Rian Doris, tells us. “We don’t listen to a song to get to the end. We listen to enjoy the music.”

One strategy to implement this idea is to ask: What am I really good at? Because it’s easier and better to build our careers around our strengths.

3: One way to identify our strengths is to analyze our life’s biggest accomplishments and then think about which traits or characteristics were in play when we achieved that success.

When I did this exercise, I identified five specific strengths, starting with my deep desire to make things happen, to create positive and engaging cultures, my ability to challenge and empower others, as well as my deep love of learning, and my ability to be persistent.

I intend to lean into these strengths and look for opportunities to put them in play in my work.

I can be deliberate about setting a high bar. Creating a compelling vision. Believing in people. Challenging people. Giving people a chance to do something with excellence.

I can also set an example by admitting my mistakes and being vulnerable so others on my team and in my family can do the same.

That’s my plan. I look forward to sharing my successes and setbacks in future posts!

If you want more information on intrinsic motivators, watch the video below.