4 Types of Motivation and How this Understanding Can Help Us

Motivation Plaza
3 min readMar 22, 2023

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Motivation is the driving force that helps us achieve our goals, whether it’s personal or professional. It’s what keeps us going, even when we face challenges and obstacles along the way.

However, did we know that there are different types of motivation?

Understanding the different types of motivation can help us stay motivated, increase our productivity, and achieve our goals. Let’s dive into the 4 types of motivation and how they can help us.

Intrinsic Motivation -

Intrinsic motivation is when we do something because we enjoy doing it or find it personally rewarding. The joy of doing the activity is its own reward. We do not need any external incentives to encourage us to do it. For instance, if we love writing, we will do it even if we are not paid for it. This type of motivation is highly valuable because it comes from within, and it helps to promote creativity, innovation, and passion in whatever we do. It is a crucial motivator for any successful individual, entrepreneur or artist.

Extrinsic Motivation -

Extrinsic motivation is the type of motivation that comes from external factors such as rewards, benefits or consequences. You do something to gain a reward or avoid a problem. For instance, we work hard at our job to get a promotion or a bonus. Extrinsic motivation can be highly effective in motivating individuals who respond to external incentives. However, it may not be sustainable, and the motivation might decline once the reward is achieved. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the motivation is not solely based on external factors.

Introjected Motivation -

Introjected motivation is when we do something because we feel guilty or anxious if we don’t do it. You may not enjoy doing the activity, but we do it because we feel pressured to do it. For instance, we may work long hours because we feel guilty if we leave work early. This type of motivation can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the reasons behind the motivation and work towards a more positive and healthy approach.

Identified Motivation -

Identified motivation is when we understand the importance and value of doing an activity, and we are motivated by the benefits it provides. You have identified our reasons for doing the activity, and we are committed to achieving our goals. For instance, we may study hard because we want to achieve our dream career. This type of motivation is highly effective because it aligns with our values and beliefs, which makes it more sustainable and long-lasting.

If we identify what motivates us, this is the most important type of motivation. If we can stay focused on that key thing we have identified it becomes a central goal that helps us not to lose our focus and never turn back from acheiving that goal. Never take your eye off the main goal and keep moving forward step by step is the key to acheiving success.

If we understand the different types of motivation it can help us achieve our goals and improve our well-being. Intrinsic motivation promotes creativity and passion, while extrinsic motivation can provide external incentives. Introjected motivation can lead to stress and burnout, while identified motivation is a sustainable and positive approach. It’s essential to identify our motivations, evaluate their effectiveness, and work towards a more sustainable and positive approach to achieve our goals.

Suggested Motivational Reading List — https://amzn.to/3ytCW3k

Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Inspirational Stories Having a Positive Attitude https://amzn.to/3ZJ1vFu

“The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale https://amzn.to/3Juah4t

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey https://amzn.to/3laygfJ

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho https://amzn.to/3YFjPxS

“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill https://amzn.to/3l0xged

“Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl https://amzn.to/3Lj8DEk

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Motivation Plaza

Motivational articles with tips, encouragements and motivations to help us grow in personal develpment. Inspiring us all to find a place where dreams come true.