Intrinsic Motivation

This is one of my motos: “Never Stop Learning”. When you perceive every situation in your life as an opportunity to learn, you will be open to curiosity and trigger a discovery cycle that never ends.

Intrinsic Motivation is one of the five dimensions of emotional intelligence that involves using available deepest preferences to move and guide the individual toward desired goals, to help in taking initiative and striving. To improve, and to persevere in the face of setbacks and frustration. Intrinsic motivation means that the energy flows from the inner self due to internal factors rather than by external rewards.

What is intrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity or pursue a goal because of the internal satisfaction or enjoyment derived from the activity itself, rather than from external incentives or pressures. When intrinsically motivated, people are driven by personal interest, curiosity, values or a desire for self-improvement.

Key characteristics of intrinsic motivation include:

·?????? Autonomy: Individuals feel a sense of autonomy and control over their actions and decisions. They engage in activities because they choose to, not because they are compelled to do so by external forces.

·?????? Interest and Enjoyment: Intrinsic motivation is often fueled by a genuine interest in the activity or task at hand. People find the activity inherently enjoyable, stimulating, or fulfilling.

·?????? Challenge and Growth: Intrinsically motivated individuals are drawn to activities that offer opportunities for growth, learning, and mastery. They are motivated by the challenge of overcoming obstacles and improving their skills.

·?????? Internal Rewards: The primary rewards of intrinsically motivated behavior are internal, such as a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, or personal fulfillment. External rewards, such as money or praise, are not the primary drivers of behavior.

·?????? Sustained Engagement: Intrinsic motivation tends to lead to sustained engagement and persistence in the face of difficulties or setbacks. Individuals are more likely to persevere in their efforts because their intrinsic desires and interests drive them.

Examples of intrinsically motivating activities include pursuing hobbies, engaging in creative endeavors, solving challenging problems, and exploring personal interests. While external rewards and recognition can sometimes complement intrinsic motivation, they are not necessary to initiate or sustain the behavior.

What can I do to nurture my intrinsic motivation?

As individuals, it is imperative to cultivate intrinsic motivation as part of our daily routine. Recognizing the interplay between light and darkness in every facet of life serves as a cornerstone in this pursuit. Here are several strategies that aid me in maintaining intrinsic motivation:

·?????? Pros and Cons Evaluation: Embracing the adage that life entails weighing costs and benefits, I meticulously catalog both the aspects I cherish and those I find challenging. This exercise grants me invaluable perspective, particularly when the tally of pros outweighs cons while staying aligned with my core values and principles, fueling my drive to persevere.

·?????? Embracing Lessons from Failure: Viewing failures as conduits for growth and embracing the resilience and perseverance required to navigate them underscores the importance of learning from missteps. Failure, integral to fostering creativity, innovation, and process enhancement, propels me to boldly engage in the cycle of trial and error until success is attained.

·?????? Nurturing Soft and Hard Skills: Acknowledging that the professional landscape necessitates honing both soft and hard skills underscores the importance of continually seeking avenues for skill augmentation. Whether fostering resilience, honesty, or empathy, actively engaging in value-adding activities bolsters my capacity to contribute meaningfully, thereby fostering personal and professional growth.

·?????? Accountability and Self-Development: Embracing the ethos that self-development is a personal endeavor underscores the responsibility vested in me to pursue growth actively. The timeless wisdom of Leonardo Da Vinci, epitomized by the adage "they went out and happened to things," serves as a beacon, propelling me to embrace each day as an opportunity for learning and advancement.

·?????? Adherence to Core Values: Anchoring my pursuits in the timeless principles of love and honesty, alongside the cherished relationships with family, friends, and loved ones, serves as a guiding force in my journey towards self-improvement. These values imbue every facet of my life with purpose, motivating me to aspire towards becoming the best version of myself.

·?????? Spiritual Journey: Nurturing a sense of spiritual awareness, grounded in the understanding that life transcends the mundane, fuels my quest for deeper meaning. This consciousness, centered on pursuits beyond material gain, enriches my daily experiences and fosters a sense of fulfillment beyond the quotidian.

·?????? Extracurricular Pursuits: Recognizing that life encompasses a myriad of experiences beyond professional pursuits, I dedicate time to nurturing diverse interests. Whether through coaching endeavors, pursuing leisure activities such as golf or music, or indulging in culinary pursuits, these endeavors invigorate me and enrich my overall well-being.

In essence, our intrinsic motivation is shaped by the amalgamation of our life experiences. Recognizing that life extends beyond the confines of professional endeavors underscores the importance of infusing each day with purpose. By aligning our actions with our inherent values and aspirations, we unlock the reservoirs of intrinsic motivation needed to pursue happiness and fulfillment relentlessly.

What can I do as a Leader to fuel intrinsic motivation in my team?

Fueling intrinsic motivation in a team without incurring costs to the organization requires tapping into the inherent drivers of individuals' engagement and satisfaction and the only way to do that is by knowing your people. Here are several strategies you can implement as a leader:

·?????? Build Trust: Great leaders are credible, act with integrity and look out for the best interests of their teams. They are self-aware and identify when their behavior and values don’t align. Great leaders know how to build trust with their teams by building genuine relationships through authenticity, being open and communicating often, and showing vulnerability while maintaining credibility.

·?????? Provide Meaningful Feedback: Regularly offer specific and constructive feedback to team members about their performance and contributions. Highlight their strengths, progress, and areas for growth. Genuine recognition and acknowledgment of their efforts can boost intrinsic motivation.

·?????? Promote Autonomy: Empower team members to have autonomy over their work whenever possible. Allow them to make decisions, set goals, and determine how they approach tasks within the scope of their responsibilities. Trusting your team members to take ownership of their work fosters a sense of responsibility and intrinsic motivation.

·?????? Encourage Skill Development: Support continuous learning and skill development opportunities for your team. Offer resources, such as access to online courses, workshops, or mentorship programs, that allow team members to expand their knowledge and expertise. The opportunity for growth and mastery can fuel intrinsic motivation.

·?????? Facilitate Collaboration and Team Bonding: Foster a supportive and collaborative team environment where team members feel valued and connected to their colleagues. Encourage open communication, idea-sharing, and mutual support. Building strong interpersonal relationships within the team can enhance intrinsic motivation through a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

·?????? Promote Purpose and Impact: Help team members understand the purpose and impact of their work within the broader context of the team's goals and the organization's mission. Clearly communicate how their contributions make a difference and contribute to the success of the team or the fulfillment of a shared vision.

·?????? Offer Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Whenever possible, provide flexibility in work arrangements, such as flexible hours or remote work options. Recognize the importance of work-life balance and support your team members in managing their time effectively. Giving them the freedom to balance their work and personal lives can increase intrinsic motivation by reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

·?????? Lead by Example: Demonstrate enthusiasm, passion, and dedication to your work and the team's goals. Model behaviors that reflect a strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Your authentic leadership can inspire and motivate team members to similarly invest themselves in their work.

·?????? Celebrate Achievements and Milestones: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate both individual and collective achievements and milestones. Publicly recognize team members' accomplishments and contributions, whether through team meetings, newsletters, or informal shout-outs. Celebrating successes reinforces a sense of pride and accomplishment, fueling intrinsic motivation.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively fuel intrinsic motivation within your team without incurring additional costs to the organization, ultimately leading to increased engagement, satisfaction, and performance.