Extrinsic motivation
Extrinsic motivation is an action undertaken because of a reward, punishment, evaluation, pressure or other factor external to the activity itself.
Definition
External motivation is not bad in itself. It can trigger action, organize responsibilities and support goals, especially at the beginning. Its quality depends on whether it remains solely pressure or is partially internalized and connected to values, a sense of meaning or responsibility.
Key ideas
- Prize
- Pressure
- Internalization
Practice and life
For a task you do "because you have to", ask: What personal meaning or value can I attach to it, even if the starting stimulus is external?
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to despise external motivation. It is also a mistake to base the entire long-term change solely on pressure, punishments and rewards.
> External motivation can trigger movement, but it is rarely enough to go a long way.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What triggers me from the outside?
- Can I connect this to my self-worth?
- Does pressure help or burn out?