Motivation is a complex concept that can come in many different forms. Understanding the different types of motivation can help you identify the specific type of motivation that you need to achieve your goals. Here are 7 types of motivation that you should know about:
Intrinsic motivation: Intrinsic motivation is the type of motivation that comes from within. It is driven by a sense of personal satisfaction or accomplishment. People who are intrinsically motivated are driven by their own interests and passions, rather than external rewards.
An example of intrinsic motivation is a person who enjoys playing the guitar as a hobby. They may be motivated to practice and improve their skills because it brings them pleasure, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. They may be motivated to learn new songs, experiment with different styles, and perform in front of others, all because they find it enjoyable and fulfilling. They may not be motivated by external rewards, such as money or fame, but by the inherent satisfaction of playing the guitar. They may not be motivated to play the guitar because they want to impress others, but because it brings them joy, relaxation, and a sense of purpose. This person’s motivation is driven by an internal desire to engage in an activity for its own sake, and the positive feelings that come with it.
Extrinsic motivation: Extrinsic motivation is the type of motivation that comes from external factors such as rewards or punishments. People who are extrinsically motivated are driven by external factors such as money, grades, or praise.
An example of extrinsic motivation is a person who works as a salesperson and is motivated by commission-based pay. They may be motivated to make more sales and earn more money as a result. They may be motivated to work longer hours, to make more calls, to follow up with more leads, and to close more deals, all in order to earn a higher commission. They may be motivated by the prospect of earning a bonus, a promotion, or a raise, all of which are external rewards that are tied to their performance. They may not be motivated by the inherent satisfaction of the sales process, but by the tangible rewards that come with it. This person’s motivation is driven by the external rewards and incentives that are offered for achieving specific goals or outcomes.
Self-determination motivation: Self-determination motivation is the type of motivation that comes from having control over your own life. People who are self-determined are motivated by the feeling of autonomy and the ability to make their own choices.
An example of self-determination motivation is a person who wants to become a professional athlete. They may be motivated to train hard and develop their skills because it aligns with their own personal values and goals. They may be motivated to make sacrifices, such as giving up other hobbies, to pursue their dream of becoming a professional athlete. They may also be motivated to set goals for themselves, such as breaking a personal record, and work towards achieving them. They may not be motivated by external rewards such as fame or money, but by the sense of personal fulfillment and accomplishment that comes with achieving their own goals. This person’s motivation is driven by their own sense of autonomy, competence and relatedness, they are in control of their own lives and are motivated to pursue activities that align with their own values and goals.
Social motivation: Social motivation is the type of motivation that comes from the desire to be a part of a group or community. People who are socially motivated are driven by the desire to fit in and be a part of something bigger than themselves. Social motivation can also be driven by a desire for recognition or status, such as the desire to be seen as a leader or to be admired by others. Social motivation is often influenced by factors such as social comparison, social identity, and social norms.
Fear-based motivation: Fear-based motivation is the type of motivation that comes from the fear of failure or the fear of punishment. People who are fear-based motivated are driven by the fear of negative consequences if they don’t achieve their goals.
An example of fear-based motivation is a person who is afraid of losing their job. They may be motivated to work harder, put in more hours, and take on extra responsibilities in order to avoid the potential negative consequences of being unemployed. They may be motivated to improve their skills, network with colleagues and managers, and stay on top of industry trends in order to make themselves as valuable as possible to their employer. They may also be motivated to avoid making mistakes, to stay on good terms with their boss, and to maintain a good reputation in their workplace, all in order to avoid the possibility of being let go. This person’s motivation is driven by the fear of losing their job, and the potential negative consequences that come with it, such as financial insecurity, difficulty finding a new job, and a feeling of failure.
Positive reinforcement motivation: Positive reinforcement motivation is the type of motivation that comes from being rewarded for achieving a goal. People who are positively reinforced are motivated by the rewards they receive for reaching their goals.
For example, getting a promotion at work, receiving a compliment, or earning a prize for completing a task are all examples of positive reinforcement motivation. Positive reinforcement is often used in behavior modification and psychology, it’s a powerful tool to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior to happen again by rewarding it. The reward can be tangible, such as money or a prize, or it can be intangible, such as praise or recognition. Positive reinforcement is an effective way to motivate people to achieve their goals, improve their performance, and make positive changes in their lives.
Negative reinforcement motivation: Negative reinforcement motivation is the type of motivation that comes from avoiding a negative outcome. People who are negatively reinforced are motivated by the desire to avoid negative consequences if they don’t achieve their goals.
For example, taking painkillers to reduce pain or using air conditioning to escape from heat are both examples of negative reinforcement motivation. Negative reinforcement is not the same as punishment, which is a different type of motivation that is intended to decrease a behavior. Negative reinforcement is not always a bad thing, it can be a helpful and effective way of motivating people to change their behavior and improve their lives.
There are many different types of motivation and each person may find that one or more of these types of motivation resonates with them. Intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, self-determination motivation, social motivation, fear-based motivation, positive reinforcement motivation, and negative reinforcement motivation are the 7 types of motivation that you should be aware of. Understanding which type of motivation works best for you can help you achieve your goals more effectively.