Motivation - What’s The Psychology of It?

Motivation is what drives us to take action, achieve goals, and push through challenges. It can be influenced by many factors, including mindset, habits, and external circumstances. Here are some key topics related to motivation:

Types of Motivation

• Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are two key types of motivation that drive human behavior.

Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation comes from within—it’s driven by personal satisfaction, interest, or enjoyment in the task itself. People who are intrinsically motivated engage in activities because they find them inherently rewarding.

Here are some work-related examples of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation:

Intrinsic Motivation at Work

1. Passion for the Job – A graphic designer who genuinely enjoys creating visual content and finds satisfaction in making designs that inspire people.

2. Desire for Mastery – A software developer who takes on complex coding challenges because they enjoy problem-solving and want to improve their skills.

3. Sense of Purpose – A nurse who finds deep fulfillment in helping patients recover and feel better.

4. Personal Growth – An entrepreneur who loves the process of building a business, even if it’s difficult and uncertain.

5. Autonomy and Creativity – A writer who enjoys crafting stories and experimenting with new styles, regardless of external recognition.

Benefits:

• Leads to deeper learning and creativity

• Increases persistence and engagement

• Fosters a sense of autonomy and personal fulfillment

Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards or pressures, such as money, grades, praise, or avoiding punishment. People who are extrinsically motivated engage in activities for external benefits rather than personal enjoyment.

Extrinsic Motivation at Work

1. Salary and Bonuses – A salesperson working hard to reach targets to earn a commission or end-of-year bonus.

2. Promotions and Career Advancement – An employee putting in extra hours to get a promotion and a higher job title.

3. Recognition and Awards – A teacher striving to win the “Best Educator of the Year” award.

4. Job Security – A factory worker following strict guidelines to avoid mistakes and keep their job.

5. Avoiding Negative Consequences – A worker meeting deadlines to avoid criticism from their boss or potential job loss.

Benefits:

• Can be effective for short-term goals

• Useful for tasks that are not inherently enjoyable

• Helps in structured environments like school or work

Which Is Better?

Neither is inherently better—it depends on the situation. Intrinsic motivation is more sustainable and leads to long-term satisfaction, while extrinsic motivation can provide the necessary push to complete tasks that might not be enjoyable but are important. Ideally, a combination of both is the most effective approach.

Finding motivation in tough times

Finding motivation during tough times can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right mindset and strategies. Here are some ways to stay motivated:

1. Reconnect with Your “Why”

• Remind yourself why you started.

• Think about the bigger purpose behind your work or goals.

2. Break It Down

• Overwhelming tasks kill motivation—break them into small, manageable steps.

• Focus on completing one step at a time.

3. Set Micro-Goals

• Instead of aiming for a massive goal, set short-term, achievable targets.

• Celebrate small wins to keep momentum going.

4. Change Your Perspective

• See challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles.

• Remember that tough times are temporary and part of the process.

5. Seek Inspiration

• Read about people who overcame difficulties.

• Listen to motivational podcasts or speeches.

6. Build a Support System

• Talk to friends, mentors, or colleagues for encouragement.

• Surround yourself with positive, driven people.

7. Take Care of Yourself

• Physical health impacts motivation—get enough rest, eat well, and exercise.

• Take short breaks to avoid burnout.

8. Shift to Action Mode

• Motivation often follows action, not the other way around.

• Start with a small task—momentum builds as you keep going.

9. Accept Imperfection

• You don’t have to be at 100% every day—consistency matters more than perfection.

• Give yourself grace during tough times.

10. Find External Rewards If Needed

• If intrinsic motivation is low, create small external rewards (e.g., treat yourself after completing a task).

Staying motivated the Kintsugi way means embracing challenges, imperfections, and setbacks as part of your journey rather than obstacles to your success.

Motivation often comes after taking action, not before. Even if you don’t feel 100%, do something small—momentum builds over time.

Piece by Piece.