TSSI #2 –The Motivation Dilemma
Read Time: 3 Minutes
Today, I'm going to uncover the dilemma of motivation and teach you how to remain motivated in the long-run.
Understanding motivation is important to success. It can be the difference between being ordinary or becoming extraordinary.
Unfortunately, most people are fixated on external rewards for their motivation. Trophies. Money. Titles. Ranking Points. Fame. Fast Cars. A big house. They don't understand that these fixations are hurting them.
Extrinsic motivations kill your chances of success.
Here's what extrinsic motivations can do:
Dull creativity
Block critical-thinking
Narrow focus
Increase anxiety
Thankfully, we're going to take a closer look at how you can overcome this motivation dilemma. Putting your mind into a healthier and more successful place.
Let's dive in:
Step 1: Understand Extrinsic Motivation (and it's limits)
Extrinsic motivation can be a good driving force if used in the right way. But, it has its limitations.
Let's take a look at what extrinsic motivation actually means:
"a motivation to participate in an activity based on meeting an external goal, garnering praise and approval, winning a competition, or receiving an award or payment."
Extrinsic motivation (or external rewards) can provide the fuel to strive each day. Because let's face it, we all want to win trophies, be rich and get praised.
It's like the carrot (external reward) on a stick dangling in front of the donkey.
Limitation #1
But what happens when we become rich, win trophies, get famous or reach the target ranking?
The motivation fades.
External motivation has a shelf-life. It's not going to motivate you in the long-term. At least not to the same level.
Limitation #2
External rewards should improve performance, right?
If I paid you $1000 to deadlift more than me, without doubt you'd lift more than if I offered you $5. Increased reward = increased performance.
So what's the second limitation?
Science has shown for decades that external rewards lead to...
...reduced performance in tasks that require even small amounts of cognitive skill or creativity.
Tennis. Business. Golf. Puzzles.
Most modern day careers are complex - they need critical thinking and creativity.
The more you focus on money, titles or ranking points (external rewards) – the worse you will perform.
So what's the better option?
Step 2: Focus on Intrinsic Motivation.
Intrinsic motivation is the answer to the motivation dilemma.
It's defined as:
"the doing of an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequence."
If you want long-term success and a lasting motivational pull, then you have to love what you're doing.
You must have the autonomy to choose; not because it's your parents dream.
You must do it because you love improving and striving towards mastery; not because it pays well.
You must do it because it brings you joy; not because it's the traditional thing to do.
Listen to some of the most successful people out there:
“Don’t let external factors dictate your motivation. Tap into your inner passion and let it propel you towards greatness.”
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do”
“I’ve always believed that success is not about money or fame; it’s about finding a sense of purpose and intrinsic motivation in what you do.”
Do it because you love the lifestyle that it provides. For the love of the craft. The opportunity to inspire. The friendship circles it creates. The growth you love feeling.
Those are long lasting intrinsic motivations that will lead you to long-term success and fulfillment.
Wrapping Up:
There is nothing wrong with desiring money, titles, rankings, houses and cars. We all want that stuff.
But, if we want to give ourselves the best chance of achieving those things, intrinsic motivation wins hands down.
"Do it for the love, not for the applause. Intrinsic motivation leads to fulfillment, while extrinsic motivation fades with time." - Unknown
I’ll leave you with a great TedTalk - The Motivation Puzzle by Dan Pink:
