The Hidden Switch to Motivation: Unlocking Your Contagious Identity with Intrinsic Drive

By Kevin Britz

Motivation. It’s the fuel that drives us forward, yet how often do we find ourselves struggling to even get started? Whether it’s snoozing the alarm for the fifth time, procrastinating on that big project, or ending the day with a nagging sense of dissatisfaction, we’ve all been there. But what if I told you that the problem isn’t a lack of discipline, laziness, or even procrastination? The real issue lies in the type of motivation you’re relying on—and chances are, you’re using the weaker fuel.

Enter the concept of intrinsic motivation, the game-changing energy source that’s more sustainable, powerful, and transformative than extrinsic motivators like money, fame, or status. Intrinsic motivation isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about unlocking a state of flow, where work becomes effortless and deeply fulfilling. And when paired with your Contagious Identity, this shift doesn’t just transform how you work—it changes how you inspire others, lead, and live.

Let’s dive into the science of motivation, the five intrinsic motivators that can supercharge your career, and how cultivating intrinsic drive helps you show up as your best self—a contagious force for growth and innovation.

The Problem with Extrinsic Motivation

Most of us are conditioned to rely on extrinsic motivation—the external rewards like money, praise, or recognition that push us to perform. And while this type of motivation works in the short term, it’s not sustainable. Here’s why:

? Diminishing Returns: The brain gets a dopamine surge when anticipating a reward, but that spike plummets once the reward is achieved. This leaves us constantly chasing the next “fix” without lasting satisfaction.

? Burnout Risk: Extrinsic motivation often leads to overworking and burnout, as we prioritise external validation over inner fulfilment.

? Loss of Autonomy: Acting solely for external rewards can make us feel like we’re not in control, reducing our sense of ownership and engagement.

Now, imagine a world where your motivation doesn’t wane—where you’re driven not by external rewards but by something deeply personal, purposeful, and enduring. That’s the power of intrinsic motivation.

The Five Intrinsic Motivators: Your Key to Contagious Drive

Intrinsic motivation is like fusion energy—it’s self-sustaining, efficient, and incredibly powerful. It comes from within and is driven by five key motivators: Curiosity, Mastery, Autotelicity, Purpose, and Autonomy. Here’s how each one works and how you can maximise them in your life and career:

1. Curiosity: The Drive to Explore

Curiosity is the insatiable itch to learn and discover. It’s that feeling of being so intrigued by something that you can’t stop thinking about it. When your work aligns with your curiosity, it feels less like a chore and more like a fascinating puzzle.

Boost Your Curiosity:

• Find ways to connect your work to your personal interests.
• Seek immediate feedback from your efforts to see the impact of what you’re learning.

2. Mastery: The Drive to Improve

Mastery is the pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement. It’s what keeps musicians practising long after the concert ends and athletes training after the game is over.

Boost Your Mastery:

• Identify key skills in your field and commit to deliberate practice.
• Challenge yourself by taking on tasks that stretch your abilities.

3. Autotelicity: The Joy of the Work Itself

Autotelicity means doing something because you love the activity itself, not for any external reward. It’s the pure enjoyment of being so immersed in a task that time disappears.

Boost Your Autotelicity:

• Identify tasks you’re naturally good at and find ways to integrate them into your work.
• Focus on strengths that trigger flow states and make work feel effortless.

4. Purpose: The Drive to Make an Impact

Purpose gives your work meaning. It’s the belief that what you do contributes to something bigger than yourself, making every task feel worthwhile.

Boost Your Purpose:

• Reflect on the larger impact of your work and how it aligns with your values.
• Connect daily tasks to your long-term mission or vision.

5. Autonomy: The Freedom to Choose

Autonomy is the sense of control over your work—how, when, and what you do. It’s about feeling empowered to make decisions and take ownership of your actions.

Boost Your Autonomy:

• Focus on areas of your work where you have control and expand on them.
• Take ownership of side projects or initiatives that align with your passions.

Intrinsic Motivation and Your Contagious Identity

When you unlock intrinsic motivation, something extraordinary happens: you stop chasing external validation and start thriving in a state of flow. But here’s the best part—this shift doesn’t just transform your performance; it makes you contagious. A Contagious Identity is about showing up authentically, with purpose and passion, in a way that inspires others to do the same. Here’s how intrinsic motivation fuels your Contagious Identity:

• Authenticity Builds Trust: When your drive comes from within, you show up as your true self. This authenticity creates trust and strengthens relationships.
• Purpose Inspires Loyalty: People are drawn to leaders who have a clear purpose and align their actions with their values. Intrinsic motivation amplifies your ability to lead with vision and integrity.
• Flow Fuels Creativity: Intrinsic motivation helps you access flow states, where your creativity and problem-solving abilities soar. This energy becomes infectious, elevating team dynamics and innovation.
• Resilience Sets the Tone: When you’re driven by intrinsic motivators, you’re less swayed by external challenges. This resilience inspires confidence and stability in those around you.

Practical Steps to Unlock Your Intrinsic Motivation

Ready to shift from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation and supercharge your Contagious Identity? Here are some practical steps to get started:

1. Audit Your Motivation

Evaluate your current work. How many of the five intrinsic motivators—curiosity, mastery, autotelicity, purpose, and autonomy—are present? Identify which areas need a boost.

2. Focus on Strengths

Spend more time on tasks that align with your strengths. The more you operate in your zone of genius, the more likely you are to experience flow and intrinsic motivation.

3. Reframe Challenges

Instead of avoiding difficult tasks, reframe them as opportunities for growth and mastery. Breaking challenges into smaller, achievable steps can make them more manageable and rewarding.

4. Design for Autonomy

Look for ways to increase your autonomy at work, even in small ways. This could mean proposing a new project, adjusting your schedule, or taking ownership of a specific task.

5. Reconnect with Purpose

Take time to reflect on your “why.” Write down how your daily tasks contribute to your larger goals or impact the world around you. Purpose gives even mundane work a sense of meaning.

Final Thoughts: Becoming a Contagious Force for Growth

Intrinsic motivation isn’t just a better fuel—it’s the fuel that drives sustained, meaningful success. When you tap into curiosity, mastery, autotelicity, purpose, and autonomy, you unlock a state of flow where work becomes effortless and fulfilling. And when you pair this with a Contagious Identity, you elevate not just yourself but everyone around you.

In a world that often emphasises external rewards, let’s commit to leading with intrinsic motivation. Let’s create a ripple effect of purpose, passion, and authenticity that transforms teams, organisations, and industries. Because when we lead from within, we don’t just achieve success—we inspire others to do the same.

For more here is reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8ZgwZf1E3E

Let's connect: https://www.kevinbritz.com/

#ContagiousIdentity #IntrinsicMotivation #KevinBritz #FlowState #Purpose #Leadership #FutureOfWork #HighPerformance