Leveraging Intrinsic Motivation in Your Own Life

Leveraging Intrinsic Motivation in Your Own Life

Step 1: Honestly evaluate your motivations

What goals do you currently have and why did you choose them? Why are certain activities set as priorities in your life?

Let’s take a non-science example and imagine that you have signed up for a life drawing class. You ask yourself why. Your motivations were kind of vague and ill-defined before, but you stop and try to put words to it. You discover a mix of things: You’re a bit bored lately and want the challenge; you feel like you have always had some artistic talent but feel guilty to have never capitalized on it and wonder if now’s the time; you find the thought of it quite exciting; finally, your friend just signed up and a secret part of you didn’t want to miss out.

On closer inspection, you realize that this goal is about eighty percent driven by external motivators. If you took away the guilty feelings at not “living a creative life” and if your friend suddenly dropped out, you’d realize that you actually wouldn’t be as interested. You decide that you’d rather forgo the life drawing class and invest money and time into something that you actually are genuinely interested in. That leads us to the next step.

Step 2: Explore activities that interest you

Find those things in your world that hold real meaning and value for you. These are the things that you would be attracted to even if nobody else thought they were important, even if you didn’t get paid to do it (or it cost you to do it) and even if everything you achieved in that area was invisible to others.

If no particular passion comes to mind, start with something you are curious enough to try. Some people have set aside projects they were told were “unrealistic” or not worth pursuing because they would not make money or win approval. For some, the heart’s true desire has been set aside because of the belief that they lack the talent necessary. This comes from a belief that we are only allowed to do things if we know we will excel in them. In other words, it’s that external motivation talking again! We might say, “I have always loved ballet, but I’m a size eighteen and thirty-six years old—I’m never going to be even half good at it, so there’s no point in even starting.” We forfeit the sense of passion and wonder we might have had for that avenue of exploration and take up something else we think we should—but it doesn’t satisfy.

One great way to get in touch with what you’re truly excited by is to try to remember what caught your imagination when you were a child—i.e., before the external world came in and told you what was and wasn’t possible. What form did all your play take? What did you do spontaneously, just because it gave you pleasure? Give yourself permission to explore that again now. You do not need to uncover a lifelong passion before starting. Ask what interests you now, try it on a manageable scale, and see whether you want to continue.

You may discover that what most appeals is something that works toward the greater good somehow. Serving an end that is bigger than yourself can be extraordinarily motivating and empowering. Scientists the world over have often worked with a deep sense that their efforts, no matter how humble, are contributing in some way to the greater endeavors of humankind on the path of progress. For other scientists, there is a powerful spiritual element to their work and a reason to get up every morning that goes beyond the everyday challenges they’re trying to manage. Even those who appear to be driven by money may actually have a deeper desire at work—perhaps the yearning to create a legacy for their children, to build something of value for others, and to protect it.

Revisit these questions as your interests and circumstances change. If an activity loses its appeal without external rewards, that tells you something about your motives; it does not necessarily mean the activity is unimportant or should be abandoned. Work, obligations, enjoyment, and social connection can all matter. Use the exercise to make deliberate choices about where you have room to explore, rather than expecting it to reveal a single passion or guarantee lasting satisfaction.