Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic Motivation happens when we do things to get a reward or to avoid something we don’t want. It’s different from intrinsic motivation, which is when we do things just because we enjoy them. With extrinsic motivation, the reason we act is for things like money, awards, praise from others, good grades, or to stay away from trouble, like being fined or getting negative comments. Basically, we’re motivated by something outside of ourselves to do something, not because we find the task itself fun or rewarding. This kind of motivation is used in a lot places like jobs, schools, and sports to help people reach their goals, finish their work, or do better at something.

Example:

1. Extra Work for More Money: Working more hours than usual because you’ll get paid extra for it.
2. Studying Hard for Grades: Putting in a lot of study time not because you like the subject, but because you want to get good grades.

Features of Extrinsic Motivation:

• Outside Rewards: The main thing about extrinsic motivation is that it’s all about getting rewards like money, prizes, or praise from others, which are not part of the activity itself.
• Rules and Goals: This motivation type often follows rules or goals set by others. People do things to get a reward or avoid trouble, following guidelines to reach these external rewards.
• Focus on Results: When people are motivated by external things, they’re usually trying to finish a task to get something in return, not because they like the task.

Advantages of Extrinsic Motivation:

• Clear Targets: When there are rewards for doing something, it’s easier to know what you’re aiming for. This helps people understand what they need to do to get what they want.
• Quick Motivation: If there’s a reward for doing something, even if it’s not something you love doing, you might start it quicker. This is handy for tasks at school or work that might not be fun but need to be finished.
• Simple to Use: It’s pretty easy to set up rewards, like bonuses at work, grades at school, or prizes for winning something.

Disadvantages of Extrinsic Motivation:

• Losing Interest: If people get rewards all the time, they might start to care less about doing things just for fun. Once the rewards stop, they might not want to do the activity anymore.
• Waiting for Rewards: People might start to expect a reward for everything they do, which can make it hard to keep doing things without getting something in return.
• Choosing Easy Over Good: When the goal is to get a reward, some might just do the bare minimum to get it, which can mean the work isn’t done as well as it could be.

Motivation is what makes us do things. It’s really important if you want to get something done, like finishing a project or reaching a goal. Sometimes, the push to act comes from wanting to feel good about ourselves or enjoying what we do. Other times, it might be because we want to get a reward, like money or praise, or to avoid something we don’t like. It helps us keep going, even when things get tough, and makes sure we stick with our tasks until we’re done. Motivation affects everything we do, from the big goals we chase to the small choices we make every day. It could be wanting to do well at work, living healthier, or helping others. Motivation keeps us moving, helps us focus, and gives us the energy to act.

Geeky Takeaways:

• It’s the push we need to start something and stick with it, whether it’s a small job or a big dream. Motivation can come from wanting to feel good or getting a reward.
• Motivation is what helps us not give up, even when things are tough. It helps us push through challenges.
• Motivation is important for making our dreams come true. It keeps us working hard and makes us feel good when we achieve something.
• Different types of motivation include intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, achievement motivation, and affiliation motivation.