Key insights

• ⚙️ Motivation is the energy that drives behavior and can be categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic forces.
• ⭐ Intrinsic motivation is driven by the activity itself, while extrinsic motivation is driven by the outcome or end result.
• 💰 Extrinsic rewards like money may seem appealing but their effectiveness is short-lived, as seen in New Year's resolution studies.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Intrinsic motivation is crucial for maintaining engagement in long-term activities like exercising and studying.
• 🚧 Having multiple motivators may not always be better as additional extrinsic motivators can hinder intrinsic drive.
• 🎉 Extrinsic rewards can make tedious activities more bearable, and building intrinsic motivation can increase drive by making tasks fun.

Q&A

• How can extrinsic rewards and building intrinsic motivation impact motivation?

  Extrinsic rewards can make tedious activities more bearable. They provide sufficient justification. Building intrinsic motivation by making tasks more fun can increase drive.

• Can having multiple motivators be better for drive?

  Having multiple motivators may not always be better. A study of military cadets found that those driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators were less motivated. The overjustification effect can muddy the waters when there is already intrinsic drive.

• How does intrinsic motivation impact long-term engagement in activities?

  Intrinsic motivation is crucial for long-term engagement in activities like exercising and studying. Taking classes or participating in activities that you enjoy increases the likelihood of maintaining an exercise routine. Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators can play a role in day-to-day actions.

• Are extrinsic rewards effective in achieving goals?

  People may be motivated by rewards such as praise, power, or money, but extrinsic rewards like getting paid may not be as effective as intrinsic motivation in achieving goals. Enjoying the pursuit of goals predicts persistence more than extrinsic motivation.

• What drives intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

  Intrinsic motivation is driven by the experience of the activity itself, while extrinsic motivation is driven by the outcome or end result of the activity. Examples of intrinsic motivation include hobbies or satisfying tasks, while examples of extrinsic motivation include tasks pursued as means to an end.

• Can you provide examples of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

  An example of intrinsic motivation is playing video games for fun, while an example of extrinsic motivation is going to the dentist for clean, healthy teeth.

• What are the two broad categories of motivational forces?

  There are two broad categories of motivational forces: intrinsic motivation, driven by the activity itself, and extrinsic motivation, driven by the outcome or end result of the activity.

• What is motivation?

  Motivation is defined by psychologists as the desire to initiate and maintain a behavior. It is the energy that drives individuals to do something.

• 00:07 Understanding the fickle nature of motivation and the importance of knowing its source.
• 01:04 Intrinsic motivation is driven by the activity itself, while extrinsic motivation is driven by the outcome. Example: Playing video games for fun (intrinsic) vs. going to the dentist for clean, healthy teeth (extrinsic).
• 01:49 People are often motivated by rewards, but extrinsic rewards may not be as effective as intrinsic motivation in achieving goals.
• 02:30 Intrinsic motivation is key to maintaining engagement in long-term activities, such as exercising and studying, although extrinsic motivators can also play a role.
• 03:13 Having multiple motivators may not always be better as additional extrinsic motivators can actually hinder intrinsic drive.
• 04:03 Adding extrinsic rewards can make tedious activities more bearable, and building intrinsic motivation by making tasks fun can increase drive.