Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation

What's the difference?

We all have different reasons for getting up every morning and doing what we do every day. So why is it that, on some days, it can feel harder than others to get up when your alarm goes off, do your workout, tackle a work or school assignment, or make dinner for your family?

Intrinsic motivation involves doing something because it's personally rewarding to you.

Extrinsic motivation involves doing something because you want to earn a reward or avoid punishment.

What Is Intrinsic Motivation?

When you're intrinsically motivated, your behaviour is motivated by your internal desire to do something for its own sake -- for example, your personal enjoyment of an activity, or your desire to learn a skill because you're eager to learn.

Examples of intrinsic motivation could include:

• Reading a book because you enjoy the storytelling

• Exercising because you want to relieve stress

• Cleaning your home because it helps you feel organised

What Is Extrinsic Motivation?

When you're extrinsically motivated, your behavior is motivated by an external factor pushing you to do something in hopes of earning a reward -- or avoiding a less-than-positive outcome.

Examples of extrinsic motivation could include:

• Reading a book to prepare for a test

• Exercising to lose weight

• Cleaning your home to prepare for visitors coming over

When Intrinsic Motivation Is Best?

Research has shown that praise can help increase intrinsic motivation. Positive feedback that is "sincere," "promotes autonomy," and "conveys attainable standards" was found to promote intrinsic motivation in children. On the other side of that coin, external rewards can decrease intrinsic motivation if they're given too willy-nilly. When children received too much praise for completing minimal work or single tasks, their intrinsic motivation decreased.

When Extrinsic Motivation Is Best?

Extrinsic rewards don't just involve bribery (although bribery can work). In some cases, people may never be internally motivated to complete a task, and extrinsic motivation can be used to get the job done. In fact, extrinsic rewards can promote interest in a task or skill a person didn't previously have any interest in. Rewards like praise, commissions, bonuses, or prizes and awards can also motivate people to learn new skills or provide tangible feedback beyond just verbal praise or admonishment.