What I discovered about Inner Drive in Barcelona

The Power of Intrinsic Motivation: Lessons from Antoni Gaudi

As professionals, we often find ourselves navigating the complex landscape of motivation in our careers.?

The question arises: What truly drives us to achieve excellence and fulfillment??

While external rewards and recognition can be enticing, there is something extraordinary about the untapped potential of what psychologists call intrinsic motivation that deserves our attention.

• Intrinsic motivation is the inner drive to do things because they bring personal satisfaction and interest, while extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or consequences.?
• Intrinsic motivation promotes autonomy, creativity, and long-term engagement, whereas extrinsic motivation focuses more on tangible benefits and short-term outcomes.

This point was illuminated to me when I recently visited Barcelona for the first time. Like countless others before me, I was left captivated by the works of the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi that are dotted across the urban landscape, and whose innovative designs have left an indelible mark on the world.?

The Sagrada Familia, a gothic cathedral in the city's centre, left me particularly awestruck with its staggering detail and sheer scale (construction begin in 1882 and is still ongoing today).

Wanting a deeper understanding of how Gaudi and Barcelona became so inextricably linked, I did a bit of reading. I was shocked to find that the architect’s popularity was not always so universal.

One critic, speaking after Gaud’s passing in 1926, said of The Sagrada “It’s junk architecture, and it’s lucky for us it was left unfinished. Perhaps a real architect can move in now and bring the mess to some conclusion”.

Not appreciated by many Catalans or Spaniards during his lifetime and for many decades after his death, Gaudi was propelled by an unwavering passion for his craft, and one could say a deep-rooted intrinsic motivation that drove him to push boundaries and create architectural wonders that stood apart from the conventional norms of his time.

So here's my take: Gaudi's intrinsic motivation allowed him to envision and bring to life structures that were not merely buildings but expressions of his artistic spirit.?

His work transcended the limitations of external validation and spoke to something deeper within him—a burning desire to leave a lasting impact, to contribute something truly unique to the world.

The contrast between Gaudi's intrinsic motivation and the initial lack of recognition highlights a significant aspect of the human experience.?

Intrinsic motivation empowers individuals to persist in the face of adversity and uncertainty.?It fuels creativity, fosters resilience, and enables us to derive personal satisfaction and meaning from our endeavours, regardless of external outcomes.

I have found myself pondering what drives me in my career and life more broadly.

• Am I primarily seeking external rewards such as promotions, raises, or accolades?
• Or do I find myself guided by a deep sense of purpose, a passion for my craft, and an intrinsic desire to make a difference?

While external motivation certainly has its place, embracing intrinsic motivation can lead us down a path of profound personal growth and fulfilment. It allows us to tap into our unique talents and perspectives, challenge conventions, and contribute to something greater than ourselves.

Here are a few questions for you to ponder:

• How has intrinsic motivation impacted your professional and personal life??
• Is it superior, inferior or complementary to more extrinsic motivators?
• How would your life change if intrinsic motivation was more central?

Let me know how this topic resonates with you. It is through these conversations that we can truly understand and harness the potential of our intrinsic motivation and pave the way for a career and life that are truly fulfilling.

About the Author

Curious by nature, I am an explorer of the intersection of Psychology, Marketing, and Technology. As a Strategic Innovator and Growth Architect, with expertise in?Go-To-Market Strategy,?I am passionate about creating impactful solutions to Human problems. I am currently dedicated to championing the cryptocurrency Revolution in Africa.?Join me on this journey of exploration and innovation.?Follow for more insightful articles exploring the fascinating intersections of these diverse fields.?

????? #Marketing #Fintech #BrandStrategy #GoToMarket #Cryptocurrency