The idea that motivation at work needs to come from within is not a foreign concept. While external factors such as salaries and recognition may impact motivation, the goal should be to find and access your intrinsic motivation in order to maximize your productivity and achieve increased job satisfaction. This article is designed to help you do just that- discover how to access your intrinsic motivation at work.
Table of Contents:
1. The Benefits of Intrinsic Motivation
2. Identify the Source of External Motivation
3. Find Internal Sources of Motivation
4. Utilizing Internal Motivation
5. Conclusion
1. The Benefits of Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation refers to having an inner drive to do or achieve something regardless of external reward or recognition. When you are intrinsically motivated to perform a task or job, you are more likely to remain interested in it, be more productive, and enjoy doing it. The resulting satisfaction in turn gives you the drive and energy to put in your best effort, increasing job satisfaction and productivity.
2. Identify the Source of External Motivation
The first step to accessing your intrinsic motivation is to become aware of what external motivations you are relying on. It is important to recognize external motivations for what they are – external. Having a goal of attaining a bonus, increasing your social standing, or obtaining a promotion can all be valid rewards when measured against a goal. But, if this is the driving force behind your work, you are likely to find yourself uninvested and unmotivated over the long term.
3. Find Internal Sources of Motivation
The key to discovering your intrinsic motivation is to search for internal sources for the things motivating you. Ask yourself why you want something and identify the reasons that really matter to you. It could be improving your skills in a certain area, achieving a personal best, or simply the achievement of extending yourself and learning something new. Once you have discovered your own internal source of motivation, you are on your way to accessing your intrinsic motivation.
4. Utilizing Internal Motivation
Once you are aware of your internal sources of motivation, it is important to develop ways to ensure they stay activated. A good way to do this is to create regular reminders of your goals and why you want to achieve them. Writing down your goals and objectives can be very helpful in maintaining the power of your internal motivation. It can also help to reward yourself for small achievements. This can help maintain a sense of accomplishment and make it easier to stay motivated.
5. Conclusion
Finding and accessing your intrinsic motivation at work is essential in order to maximize job performance and satisfaction. By discovering the source of your external motivation and replacing it with your own internal sources of motivation you can create sustained enthusiasm for your job over the long term. A combination of goal setting, reminder systems, and the occasional reward for small accomplishments are all great ways to help maintain your internal motivation.