Intrinsic motivation
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Intrinsic motivation is a topic that finds crucial for long-term success and enjoyment in our endeavors. He stresses that engaging in activities that are intrinsically joyful, without the need for external stimuli, offers sustainable pleasure and motivation. This intrinsic pleasure is irreplaceable by any external reward, motivational speeches, or other sources 1.
Additionally, underscores the challenge and the opportunity of learning to derive pleasure from the process of pursuing a goal for its own sake. He further explains that intrinsic motivation, which is directly attached to the activity at hand, is the most potent and enduring form of motivation 2. The ability to cultivate intrinsic motivation in tasks that initially do not excite us is also essential for personal growth and successfully functioning in life 3.
Furthermore, he touches upon the importance of a sense of purpose when intrinsic motivation is hard to find. If the process itself is not interesting, finding a meaningful outcome can drive persistence and better performance. For instance, in the educational context, kids who perceive a purpose, such as using the knowledge to help others in the future, tend to study more diligently and achieve better grades 4.
also discusses various methods to nurture intrinsic motivation, such as personalizing tasks, and employing self-persuasion techniques. He suggests that motivating oneself may involve strategies like focus of attention, persistence, working smarter, and thinking more clearly. These combined effects contribute to a greater intrinsic liking and performance on the task at hand 5.
Overall, intrinsic motivation is not only a driver of performance but also a key element for finding joy and meaning in the activities and goals we pursue.
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