#25 - The TRUTH behind Motivation

This episode is all about MOTIVATION today.

Namely, 'Intrinsic' vs 'Extrinsic' motivation.

In basic terms, Intrinsic motivation comes from within, while extrinsic arises from the outside. (You probably guessed that)

Why is this important?

When you're intrinsically motivated you engage in the activity solely because you enjoy it and get personal satisfaction from it. When you're extrinsically motivated, you do something to gain an external reward.

You've probably heard this before.

But, have you thought about how this works in your life?
With all these goals you want, are you doing it for the enjoyment of the activity OR are you doing it for the external reward?

Something to think about...

Now, don't get me wrong, sometimes having an external reward CAN be useful AND motivating. Sure.

BUT, which one do you think is most valuable to you and your journey of self-improvement and personal growth?

If you had to focus on one a little bit more than the other??

Yep. You guessed it.

INTERNAL.

The idea that we show up and do the things we know we need to do for the pure sense of joy and pleasure that the activity itself gives us.

When you get this, you don't really need to worry about motivation anymore.

Most people lack motivation because they are doing something they DON'T value AND, they are doing something (or chasing something) that they DON'T really want.

They are chasing someones else's dream or someone else's goal...thinking that it is what they should be doing...and thinking that it will make them happy.

BUT you must ask yourself, is that what YOU want? And is it what YOU value?

This doesn't mean it will be easy and always be fun. No, changing your life is hard. I say it all the time. And there will be days you don't feel like doing the things you know you should be doing BUT, when you're internally driven and motivated, it's much easier to be excited about those things and to do them anyway.

Because you find enjoyment in the action itself.

NOT in the result or the reward.

This is really common in the health/fitness and personal development world.

People chasing the wrong things.

People thinking that some end result or end destination will solve all their problems...

But, the truth is, happiness comes from the pursuit. From the journey. It comes from the process of daily self-improvement...

The internal scorecard you keep with yourself.

Hope you enjoy the episode.

Much love

Ed