The effect of extrinsic and intrinsic rewards

Problems seem to have a way of finding us. For example, at times we have all thought this before: I am never able to get things done because I have a problem with staying busy. What is the origin of this problem, and so many others we encounter? Put simply, a guess could be whatever motivates us.

To elaborate, rather than problems being able to find us, we – in many instances, not all – find them. What we find is what we seek, what we seek is dependent upon what motivates us to seek.

In general, there are two categories of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Motivators in the extrinsic category are those outside of ourselves, like the want of money, high-status, or grades.  Motivators in the intrinsic category are those within ourselves, like the want of creativity, freedom, or love.

Everyone falls within a spectrum where these two groups are the extremes.  No one is purely affiliated with one category and we are all constantly fluctuating our position. While both forms of motivations have benefits in certain situations, it seems likely that we are happier when intrinsic motivators are the dominant force in our lives.

Extrinsic motivators create a race out of everything.  Money is an extrinsic motivator. Time is money, and money is time; if you are chasing money, you are chasing time.  With the problem first presented, we are always feeling guilty for not keeping our pace in a long race for extrinsic rewards, but not staying busy all the time is a great thing.  If we are lost in something we love- an intrinsic motivator – what more could we need? Getting lost is not a waste of time.

Instead of working too many hours a week – if it is just for spare cash – take time off to do things that motivate you intrinsically.  Ultimately, we all are bound to rebound by doing what we love.