The Surprising Power of Intrinsic Motivation

For far too long the age-old carrot-and-stick approach has been the go-to method for motivating individuals to achieve their goals. The promise of rewards and the threat of punishment have been used to drive behaviour, from children’s report cards to employee performance reviews. But what if we’ve been going about it all wrong? What if, instead of relying on external motivators, we could tap into a deeper, more sustainable source of drive and enthusiasm? Enter intrinsic motivation, a powerful force that has been hiding in plain sight. Intrinsic motivation is the spark that ignites when we’re driven by a genuine passion, interest, or sense of purpose. It’s the reason why some people can’t wait to get to work in the morning, while others trudge to the office with a sense of dread. In this article I explore the surprising power of intrinsic motivation, and how it can be harnessed to unlock remarkable achievements, transform workplaces, and bring a sense of fulfilment to personal and professional lives.