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Picture this: it’s early morning, and you’re about to start your day.
What drives you out of bed? Is it the excitement of doing what you love, or the dread of obligations?
In our fast-paced world, finding and utilizing internal motivation is akin to discovering a hidden treasure within ourselves.
It’s this very journey that can transform not just how we work, but how we live and grow.
It’s a quest that has the power to fundamentally alter our approach to work and life, leading to profound personal fulfillment.
In today’s achievement-oriented society, many of us find ourselves driven by external factors.
The promise of a promotion, the societal badge of success, or the ticking clock of deadlines keep us going.
This reliance on external motivators, while effective in the short term, often leads to a life lacking fulfillment.
We find ourselves caught in a cycle of chasing external validation, leaving little room for personal satisfaction and true engagement with our work and lives.
This is a life of disconnect from intrinsic motivation.
When the drive that comes from within isn’t aligned with our personal values and passions we have a sense of emptiness and burnout.
I have seen this in many clients, but one that comes to mind is Joe, a successful man that has a great job working for a family business.
He has repeatedly lamented about the high cost he bears emotionally and energetically because of his work.
Joe has expressed his desire to pursue his passions and at one time didn’t know what they were.I’ll talk more about his story, but do want to touch on the science behind intrinsic motivations first.
Research underscores the importance of intrinsic motivation, also known as internal motivation.
Research underscores the importance of intrinsic motivation, also known as internal motivation.
Studies such as those conducted by Pennebaker & Beall (2006) emphasize the power of self-reflection in uncovering our innermost desires.
Similarly, Keng (2011) and his group showed how mindfulness practices can lead to a deeper connection with our true selves.
Like Joe, in the hustle of daily responsibilities, these insights often remain unexplored.
The journey to intrinsic motivation is multifaceted, requiring us to delve into self-exploration and embrace our unique strengths and passions.
Journaling is more than a daily diary; it’s a window into your soul.
It requires a commitment to introspection.
Reflect on questions like “What activities bring me a deep sense of joy?” or “When do I feel most authentically engaged?”
This practice, backed by the research of Pennebaker & Beall (2006), isn’t just about recording events but understanding the emotional and psychological landscapes of our lives.
Mindfulness and meditation are not just relaxation techniques; they are tools for mental clarity and self-awareness.
As the study by Keng et al. (2011) suggests, these practices allow us to observe our thoughts and emotions from a distance, providing insights into our true motivations.
Utilizing tools like the VIA Character Strengths Survey or Gallup StrengthsFinder is akin to unlocking a personal treasure chest.
It’s about discovering your innate talents and preferences, as found in the research by Park and his team in 2004.
Knowing your strengths isn’t just empowering; it’s a roadmap to activities where you’ll naturally thrive and feel fulfilled.
Stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new activities, hobbies, or challenges can unveil hidden passions and interests. Pay attention to what sparks your curiosity and engagement. (Study: Gagné & Deci, 2005)
Likewise, finding flow activities, those that engross you completely, can be a powerful indicator of intrinsic motivation, as Csikszentmihalyi (1975) identified.
The journey towards self-discovery isn’t solitary.
Engaging with friends, mentors, or professional guides can offer invaluable perspectives.
These connections can challenge our self-perceptions and open us to new possibilities, as Ryan & Deci (2000) have shown.
Remember Joe, the man I told you about earlier?
Using some of these tools, he had an insightful realization: his long forgotten passion for woodworking and furniture making ignites a unique thrill in him.
This was a hobby he first discovered in highschool and continued until he went to work for his family’s manufacturing business.
Since rediscovering his passion, he has bought some used machinery and started doing projects on the weekend, increasing his skill level and creativity as he goes.
He’s one of those rare individuals who has pinpointed what genuinely excites him and it has affected all areas of his life.
I can say from experience, finding your passion can increase joy, improve relationships, and even uplevel your creativity.
Take the following steps today to find your intrinsic motivations, and thus your passions and values.
Establish a Journaling Routine: Set aside 15-20 minutes each day for reflective journaling. Focus on emotions, reactions, and moments of joy or fulfillment.
Incorporate Mindfulness into Your Daily Life: Begin with 10 minutes of meditation each morning. Use guided sessions if you’re new to the practice.
Complete a Strengths Assessment: Invest time in understanding your strengths. Reflect on how they align with your current life and career paths.
Embark on Monthly Adventures: Challenge yourself to try something new every month, whether it’s a creative pursuit, a new sport, or community service.
Regular Volunteer Work: Connect with causes that resonate with your values. Aim for consistent engagement to understand the intrinsic rewards of altruistic activities.
Find and Join Communities: Seek out groups, both online and in-person, that align with your interests. Active participation can lead to new insights and motivations.
Regularly Seek and Reflect on Feedback: Create a habit of asking for and reflecting on feedback from those you trust. This can provide a mirror to your blind spots and hidden strengths.
Consider Professional Counseling or Coaching: If self-guided exploration seems daunting, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or career counselor can provide structured guidance on your journey.
Taking on this journey is about more than just enhancing career satisfaction; it’s about enriching every aspect of life.
It’s about waking up each day energized by a sense of purpose and passion that arises from within.
Remember, the pursuit of intrinsic motivation is an ongoing adventure. It’s about continuous growth, exploration, and self-discovery.
Embrace this journey with an open heart and mind, and witness the transformation in your work, your relationships, and your personal well-being.
Take Care,
Jennifer Beard
Stay ahead of the game and join our community. Sign up for our exclusive newsletter to get exclusive insights, tips, and strategies right in your inbox. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your journey every week!