Motivation
on the scale
Want or need: where does your motivation come from?
The difference between “wanting” to do a task and “needing” to do a task often determines how much energy you have for it. Two theories of motivation show how this trade-off works and the role your own language plays in it.
Internal versus external motivation
Motivation has two sources. Internal motivation comes from within and arises from interest, pleasure or curiosity. External motivation comes from outside expectations, rewards or pressure. Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory describes these two forms as two sides of a scale. As the side of external incentives gets heavier, internal motivation drops. The more emphasis on what has to be done, the less room is left for what you want to do.
A balance
Inzlicht and Schmeichel’s process model also shows how that balance works. According to these researchers, a person evolutionarily switches between tasks with internal and external motivation. Your brain seeks balance. When you spend a lot of time on obligations, it creates a natural need to do something you want to do yourself. That recovery moment keeps you motivated and prevents you from getting stuck.
Determine the side of the scale
Language plays a bigger role than many people think. “I want ” indicates internal motivation. “I must” reinforces the feeling of pressure or obligation. By consciously replacing the word should with want, you direct your own motivation. As a result, a task feels less onerous and more like your own choice. The effect is small in words, but big in behavior.
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