Internal/Intrinsic Motivators:
Your motivation to accomplish your goal comes from within. It is determined by your personal values and goals. The drive to do something because it is interesting, challenging, and absorbing is essential for high levels of creativity. Enjoyment based internal motivation is the strongest and most pervasive driver as is a belief that it is a good or right thing to do. Often it is something we pursue even without a tangible result.
• Examples: Reading a nonfiction book because you are curious about the topic, or playing chess because you enjoy effortful thinking are internal motivation examples.
With internal motivation, it is much easier to stay motivated. Trying to find some internal value in everything you have to do can improve your overall performance and pleasure.
External/Extrinsic Motivators:
Your motivation to attain your goal comes from a source outside yourself. It reflects the desire to do something because of external rewards such as awards, money, and praise. People who are extrinsically motivated may not enjoy certain activities but engage in them because they wish to receive some external reward.
• Examples: The person who dislikes sales but accepts a sales position because he/she desires to earn an above average salary or selecting a major in college based on salary and prestige, rather than personal interest in the major are samples of external motivation.
It drives one to do things for tangible rewards or pressures, rather than for the fun of doing it. Performing tasks to look good or to please others can be difficult to maintain. It focuses people on the reward and not the action. In effect, extrinsic motivations can change something pleasurable into work.
When are you most effective? When are you so engaged that hours feel like minutes? What is the balance for you?
Motivation - Internal and External Motivators