Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation: Are They Different or Similar?

When it comes to motivation, there are many factors at play that are more than just the motivation itself. What motivates us towards our goals and aspirations is often intriguing to me. The method of inspiration we use as humans, whether by using failure as fuel, prioritizing your tasks as motivation, or using goals to motivate you, is fundamental to understanding our deep rooted reasons for motivation. That being said, we often rarely think about the core of what drives our behaviors surrounding our motivation or why we do what we do to achieve our goals and dreams. Therefore, I want to dive into the more psychological side of motivation and figure out our deeper-rooted why’s and what drives our motivation aspects. Let’s explore the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic types of motivation and if they are similar or different to driving our motivating behaviors. 

What Is Extrinsic Motivation?

Extrinsic motivation is the behavior we project when we are motivated to perform a behavior or engage in an activity to earn a reward for the achievement or avoid punishment for not fulfilling the behavior or action. You will engage in this behavior with extrinsic motivation, not essentially because you enjoy it or find it satisfying. Extrinsically motivating behaviors or activities occur because you expect to get something in return or avoid an unpleasant situation. Your behavior and action toward a specific goal or task to complete will be directed by the reward or consequence of the outcome when finishing it. 

What Is Intrinsic Motivation?

Intrinsic motivation is the behavior that drives your motivation based on an internal rewards system. Namely, it is the motivation to engage in conduct that arises from within the individual because it is naturally satisfying for you. For example, my desire to climb the seven second summits is not an external reward that I will receive once I climb any of these mountains. My reward for this goal is far more internal for me and keeps me regularly motivated. Of course, I want to be the first woman to do it, but there is no metal, payment, certificate, or other external rewards I will get after each mountain I climb, let alone achieving all seven summits. Intrinsic motivation is that inner fire that feels lit inside you when you are motivated towards completing a dream or a goal. 

Do They Differ When Driving Our Motivation Behaviors?

You may be asking yourself how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation compare at all, or do they often contrast? The best distinction between the two is that intrinsic motivation is a self-motivating behavior such as exercising. While many doctors, health, and fitness professionals recommend regular exercise for overall better health, they aren’t forcing you to show up to the gym. Exercise can be an intrinsic motivation, as it is for me where I love my workout time as I consider it my me time.

Additionally, in contrast, the most significant example of extrinsic motivation is something that I and more than likely you reading this as well do weekly, if not daily. The most common extrinsic motivation we undertake is our professions. Ideally, if we had the option to make an income without working, our career would be more intrinsic. However, if you didn’t have that income source, anyone will tell you that you more than likely wouldn’t be as motivated to be a part of the workforce as you may be. Some individuals in the workforce often view their professions as intrinsic and extrinsic, while most view them as extrinsic. Many motivating behaviors can be considered to be both. However, the outcome of the motivation will often command and drive whether it will be intrinsic or extrinsic. 

Whether the result of the goal, task, or dream that you wish to achieve is intrinsically or extrinsically motivated, it’s essential to understand your reason behind it. Understanding what your desired outcome you want to see is vital to understanding the reasoning keeping you motivated. So the next time you think about the result you wish to see in a situation, take a moment to ask yourself if the desired outcome is intrinsically or extrinsically keeping you motivated.