How to Increase your Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation comes from an internal desire that drives you to pursue a fulfilling course of action. Research shows that the impact of intrinsic motivation is far more powerful and long-lasting than external motivation. Interestingly, there are several methods to increase your intrinsic motivation to inspire you to become more internally driven.

Self-efficacy theory is a concept of our belief system, it's an internal view of ourselves that determines whether we have what it takes to be successful. Individuals with higher self-efficacy tend to perform better and set more challenging goals for themselves. They also show a greater sense of motivation to accomplish their goals.

Why do you do what you do? Do your actions drive you? To increase your intrinsic motivation, you have to decide the great purpose of your life. No matter how small the steps may be, you can link your activities to a bigger picture that fits this greater purpose.

Volunteering is a selfless act that removes the external reward expectations and connects you with your inner values such as humanitarianism. By helping others, you feel a sense of internal drive that gets you intrinsically motivated.

Do not procrastinate or immerse yourself with self debate. Instead, when you have a specific goal set, take immediate action and go with it. It is always challenging to start something new in the beginning; but once the flow begins to kick in, you'll find your inner motivation.

In the end, everyone has an internal drive that keeps them motivated. Though external motivation is much simpler to identify, you cannot avoid improving your intrinsic motivation. Remember, internal motivators are the only things that keep you going when non-material benefits are removed.