Have You Been Applying Self-Determination Theory in Life Without Knowing About it?
I know I was.
Motivation is defined as:
“Enthusiasm for doing something.”
You are familiar with the idea.
What motivates you to do what you do? Getting up early in the morning is not easy. It is hard to leave your cozy bed, but for some people, the case is different.
Are you one of those people who look forward to getting up early in the morning and repeating the same routine every day?
If you said yes or nodded, then you are applying self-determination theory without even knowing about it. Let us delve into this idea, but before going forward with it, I have something else to tell. I will come back to the theory in a moment.
Steve Jobs, in one of his interviews, said:
“You’ve to have a lot of passion for what you’re doing… because it’s [founding a company] so hard that if you don’t, any rational person would give up… if you don’t really have fun doing it… you’re gonna give up, and that’s what happens to most people.”
To persevere with the routine, you must have intrinsic motivation. If you do something out of the free will and continue doing it, then the intrinsic motivation is at work. It does not let you give up or give in because you enjoy what you do.
For example, I write because I love to write, and it is one of my hobbies. Whenever I am free, instead of Netflixing (weird it has become a verb), I prefer writing. Even if it is just 500 words. I love to pour my heart out using words.
For you, it can be different. People love to work till late because they enjoy their job. For some, it can be learning about new cultures, which indicates a curious nature.
My husband loves to play games because that is how he relaxes.
On the other hand, extrinsic motivation is a behavior where people have to do a task without feeling any motivation. Sometimes they do it for an external reward or to avoid punishment.
For instance, getting a degree is a requirement, and some people feel least motivated when it comes to pursuing this social norm. Why? Because it is how they can earn (which is the reward).
If we rely on the external reward, it leads to an over-justification effect. If you feel intrinsically motivated to do a task with an external reward in mind, then there is a probability you might lose the intrinsic motivation for the task. This is the over-justification effect.
Having said that, extrinsic motivation is not always bad.
What is Self-Determination Theory?
Self-determination theory puts you in control so that you can make your own choices. People feel motivated and take action — knowing that this will have an effect on the outcome.
Now the three innate psychological needs that make you feel motivated are:
· Autonomy
· Competence
· Relatedness
Autonomy
This means that you are self-sufficient, and you do not rely on others for validation. You are in control of your life, and you do not have to be influenced by others.
You have the freedom to choose your career, your goals, your love, your hobbies, and the list goes on. You just need to find that inspiration and just follow it. Your autonomy puts you in power.
What Did I do?
I knew I have a flair for writing, and this is what I would want to pursue.
I used to follow successful writers to get inspired by their ideas and follow them. Then one day, I came across this line by Nicholas Tharcher.
“The essence of independence has been to think and act according to standards from within, not without: to follow one’s own path, not that of the crowd.”
From that day, I stopped relying on external factors to keep me motivated. I remember clearly it was within a week after reading this line, I started my own Instagram account where I write about random ideas. I knew the path would be steep, BUT it will be my own.
Competence
Once you know you are in control, you know which path to follow, you feel an urge to improve. This need to improve keeps you motivated.
What Did I Do?
Once I knew I am going to pursue writing, I started reading up on it to improve my skills. Every day I make a conscious effort to improve my writing skills and become a better writer.
Relatedness
Man is a social animal, and he/she needs to feel connected to their fellow beings. A loving family, a caring partner, and friends are a constant source of support.
However, if you do not feel connected to them, then look for people who share the same goals as you. Join online communities to share your goals and journey with others as well.
What Did I Do?
I joined many online groups related to my goal/niche. I started posting about my journey and got to know more people and their stories. In addition to my family, I now have virtual support of these groups.
The Takeaway
Do you think you have been applying self-determination theory without knowing? Tell me in the responses below.
Nothing is impossible in life. You need to realize your autonomy in life and choose a path to walk on. As much as possible, try to motivate yourself intrinsically, and if you cannot find it, then rely on extrinsic motivation.
Remember, both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can coexist.
