Why do I keep going, even when nobody asks me to? What is that makes me productive—is it only my curiosity? How do I stay motivated despite the rain or snow? Is motivation enough. Motivation is not enough. I know this from experience; have you ever found yourself in a situation where your motivation didn't cut it?

Motivation is the psychological process that drives behavior and action towards a particular goal or outcome. It's what energizes us to achieve what we want in life . It drives people to achieve their goals, and overcome challenges. When we are motivated, we tend to persist in the face of challenges and setbacks—and continue working towards our goals despite obstacles.

Motivation is divided into 2 different (some might even say 3) types:intrinsic and extrinsic.

Understanding the differences between intrinsic and external motivation is important if you want to understand and grow your own motivation and how to motivate others. By understanding the factors that drive motivation and leveraging those factors to their advantage, you can increase your motivation.

Intrinsic motivation comes with a person's internal drives, the sources of his or her actions, rather than external pressure. Intrinsic motivation is typically associated with greater creativity, engagement, and enjoyment in tasks and activities, and may be more effective in promoting long-term behavior change and goal attainment.

Extrinsic motivation refers to a drive for an activity, based on external factors such as rewards or punishments. External motivation can be effective in promoting behavior change and achieving short-term goals. It is generally considered less effective than intrinsic motivation in promoting long-term behavior change and sustainable goal pursuit.

Intrinsic motivation:

Someone who is intrinsically motivated to play a musical instrument may enjoy the process of practicing and improving their skills, as well as the feeling of self-expression that comes from creating music. In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers found that scientists and artists who were intrinsically motivated were more likely to make important contributions to their fields over time. These individuals were also more likely to experience greater satisfaction and enjoyment in their work, and to report higher levels of well-being overall.

Reading a book: Someone who is intrinsically motivated to read a book may find the process of reading to be enjoyable, and may be motivated by the opportunity to learn something new or to engage with a particular topic.

Solving a puzzle: Someone who is intrinsically motivated to solve a puzzle may enjoy the mental challenge of working through the problem, as well as the feeling of satisfaction that comes from finding a solution. In a study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, researchers found that employees who were intrinsically motivated (i.e., pursuing their work because they found it personally meaningful and interesting) were more likely to be engaged, committed, and satisfied in their jobs. These employees were also more likely to be creative, take initiative, and go above and beyond what was expected of them, leading to greater success for themselves and their organizations.

Writing a blog: Someone who is intrinsically motivated to write a blog may be motivated by the opportunity to express their thoughts and ideas, as well as the enjoyment they derive from the writing process itself. Wikipedia is a well-known example of a project that has been driven by intrinsic motivation. The site was created and is maintained by a community of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise because they believe in the value of open access to information. Despite being a non-profit organization, Wikipedia has grown to become one of the most widely-used sources of information on the internet, demonstrating the power of intrinsic motivation to drive innovation and success.

Greater creativity: When individuals are intrinsically motivated, they are often more creative and innovative in their pursuits. Because they are motivated by their own interests and passions, they are more likely to explore new ideas and approaches, and to take risks that can lead to new discoveries and breakthroughs.

More enjoyment: Individuals who are intrinsically motivated tend to find more enjoyment in their pursuits, as they are pursuing activities that they find inherently interesting and rewarding. This enjoyment can lead to greater satisfaction with one's life and work, and can also increase motivation and persistence over time.

Improved performance: Research has shown that individuals who are intrinsically motivated tend to perform better on tasks than those who are extrinsically motivated. This is because they are more engaged and focused on the task at hand, and are less likely to be distracted by external rewards or punishments.

Greater autonomy and control: Intrinsic motivation can also lead to a greater sense of autonomy and control over one's life and work. Because individuals are pursuing activities that they find inherently interesting and rewarding, they are less likely to be influenced by external factors such as pressure from others or the desire for rewards or recognition.

Overall, intrinsic motivation can lead to greater creativity, enjoyment, and fulfillment in one's life and work. By pursuing activities that align with their interests and passions, individuals can increase their motivation and persistence, leading to greater success and satisfaction in their pursuits.

Autonomy, competence, and relatedness The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) highlights three basic psychological needs that are essential for intrinsic motivation: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These needs are key components for developing intrinsic motivation as they contribute to the individual's perception of self-determination, which leads to greater engagement and persistence in activities.

1. Autonomy: Autonomy refers to the individual's sense of control over their choices and actions. It is the extent to which a person feels they are acting according to their own will and values, and not just because they are being pressured or obligated to do so. When individuals feel a sense of autonomy, they are more likely to be intrinsically motivated, as they feel they are pursuing activities that are personally meaningful and in line with their own interests and values.

2. Competence: Competence refers to the individual's sense of effectiveness and mastery in a particular domain. It is the extent to which a person feels capable of achieving their goals and performing well in activities that they find challenging. When individuals feel competent in their pursuits, they are more likely to be intrinsically motivated, as they feel they are able to make progress and achieve success in activities that they find interesting and rewarding.

3. Relatedness: Relatedness refers to the individual's sense of connection and belonging with others. It is the extent to which a person feels that they are part of a larger social group and that their actions and accomplishments are recognized and valued by others. When individuals feel a sense of relatedness, they are more likely to be intrinsically motivated, as they feel that their pursuits are socially significant and contribute to their sense of identity and purpose.

Together, these three basic psychological needs contribute to an individual's sense of self-determination and support intrinsic motivation. When individuals have a sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in their pursuits, they are more likely to be engaged, persistent, and successful in achieving their goals. By recognizing and promoting these needs, individuals and organizations can create environments that foster intrinsic motivation and support long-term success and fulfillment.

External Motivation is drive to perform an activity or behavior that is prompted by external factors, such as rewards, punishments, or social pressure. This type of motivation is not driven by the inherent enjoyment or interest in the activity itself, but rather by the expectation of a specific outcome or consequence.

1. Rewards: The promise of a reward, such as a bonus, a promotion, or a gift card, can be a powerful motivator for individuals to perform a specific behavior or achieve a particular goal. For example, an employer may offer a bonus or promotion for meeting certain performance metrics, or a teacher may offer a prize for the student with the highest grades. These rewards can help to create a sense of competition and encourage individuals to work harder to achieve their goals.

   Employee Performance Incentives: In a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, researchers found that providing performance incentives to employees was a strong motivator for increased productivity in the short term. The study offered employees a bonus for meeting certain performance metrics, and found that employees who received the incentives were more productive than those who did not.

2. Punishments: The fear of punishment, such as a fine, a demotion, or a loss of privileges, can also be a motivator for individuals to avoid specific behaviors or achieve specific goals. Threatening or applying punishments can be used to promote external motivation. For example, an employer may threaten to fire an employee who consistently fails to meet performance expectations, or a parent may take away privileges for a child who misbehaves. These punishments can create a sense of fear or pressure, and may motivate individuals to avoid negative consequences. Punishments for Distracted Driving: Several states in the US have implemented laws that penalize drivers for using their phones while driving. A study by the National Safety Council found that these laws were effective in reducing the number of distracted driving incidents, and that drivers were less likely to use their phones while driving when faced with potential penalties.

3. Social pressure: The pressure to conform to social norms or expectations can also be a motivator for individuals to perform certain behaviors or achieve certain goals. For example, a student may study harder to achieve good grades in order to meet their parents' expectations or gain the approval of their peers.

4. External deadlines: External deadlines, such as project due dates, can also be a motivator for individuals to complete tasks or achieve goals within a certain timeframe.

While external motivation can be effective in driving behavior and achieving goals, it is typically not as sustainable or fulfilling as intrinsic motivation. When individuals rely solely on external motivation, they may experience a sense of burnout or feel disconnected from their work or activities.

Therefore, it is important to find a balance between external and intrinsic motivation, and to focus on promoting autonomy, competence, and relatedness to foster sustainable motivation and success.

Drive According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of motivation is: “the willingness to do something, or something that causes willingness.” Drive, on the other hand, is defined as: “a planned effort to achieve something.” So, although the words are both goal-oriented, their meanings have significant difference.

so drive is a separate concept from motivation, which refers to the underlying reasons why an individual behaves or acts in a certain way.

Drive and motivation are related concepts that work together to guide and direct behavior, but they differ in terms of their origins and functions. Drive is a more primitive and biologically based concept, while motivation is a broader and more complex construct that can arise from a variety of internal and external factors.

While motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic, drive is primarily driven by biological and environmental factors. Biological factors include the regulation of hunger, thirst, and other physiological needs, while environmental factors can include stressors, social cues, and other external stimuli

Overall, drive is a powerful force that can help individuals to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. By understanding the role of biological and environmental factors in driving behavior, individuals can harness the power of drive to achieve success in their personal and professional lives.

Motivation alone is not enough

Discipline, also known as grit, refers to the ability to persist in pursuing a goal or task, despite difficulties or setbacks. It involves the development of self-control, willpower, and perseverance, and is considered a necessary component of success in many areas of life, including academics, athletics, and career pursuits.

Discipline helps you to overcome the natural fluctuations in motivation and drive, and to stay focused on your goals over the long term. It allows you to push through obstacles and challenges, and to maintain your efforts even in the face of setbacks or failures. Without discipline, it can be difficult to sustain motivation and drive, and progress towards goals may be slow or non-existent.

Studies have shown that discipline, or grit, is a strong predictor of success in a variety of domains, including academic achievement, athletic performance, and career success. For example, a study conducted by psychologist Angela Duckworth found that students who scored high on measures of grit were more likely to achieve their academic goals, even when controlling for factors such as IQ and socioeconomic status.

In summary, discipline or grit is an important component of success, as it helps individuals to overcome obstacles and challenges, and to persist in pursuing their goals over the long term. By developing discipline and cultivating a mindset of perseverance, individuals can increase their chances of achieving success in many different areas of life.

Combining motivation, drive, and discipline can be a powerful way to achieve personal and professional goals.

Motivation provides the initial spark that inspires action and generates enthusiasm for a goal. It can arise from both intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Drive provides the underlying urge or tension that compels you to act in order to satisfy a need or achieve a goal. It is more instinctual and automatic than motivation, and arises from the body's physiology. Drive can help to sustain motivation over time, by providing a constant source of energy and direction.

Discipline refers to the ability to control one's behavior and adhere to a plan or set of rules, even in the face of distractions, obstacles, or temptations. It involves the development of self-control, willpower, and perseverance, and is essential for achieving long-term goals. Discipline can help to overcome the natural fluctuations in motivation and drive, by providing a framework for consistent action and progress.

By combining motivation, drive, and discipline, we can can create a powerful force for achieving our goals. Motivation provides the initial spark, drive sustains the momentum, and discipline ensures consistent action towards the desired outcome. With these three elements working together, individuals can overcome obstacles, stay focused on their goals, and ultimately achieve success.

Summary

The blog discusses the importance of understanding the different types of motivation, including intrinsic and external motivation, and how they can impact our ability to achieve our goals. It also emphasizes the role of drive and discipline, or grit, in persisting towards our goals even in the face of challenges or setbacks.

The article suggests that intrinsic motivation, which is driven by internal factors such as enjoyment or curiosity, is often more effective in promoting creativity and enjoyment in tasks. However, external motivation, which is driven by rewards or punishments, can be useful in some situations where a specific outcome is desired.

The article also highlights the importance of drive, which is a biologically-based urge to pursue goals and achieve success. It notes that drive can be influenced by both biological and environmental factors, such as genetics, upbringing, and life experiences.

Finally, the article emphasizes that combining motivation, drive, and discipline is crucial for achieving success in any area of life. It provides suggestions for how readers can cultivate these qualities in themselves, including setting specific goals, creating a supportive environment, and developing habits of self-control and perseverance.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the different factors that contribute to success, and offers practical advice for readers looking to cultivate motivation, drive, and discipline in their own lives.

 Understanding the different types of motivation, namely intrinsic and extrinsic, is crucial for cultivating motivation, drive, and discipline. Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal factors, such as a sense of purpose, enjoyment, and fulfillment, while extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or punishments, such as money, status, or approval.

Research has shown that intrinsic motivation is more effective and sustainable than extrinsic motivation in promoting creativity, enjoyment, and long-term goal attainment. However, extrinsic motivation can still be useful in certain situations, such as when immediate results are needed or when the task is uninteresting.

Combining motivation with drive and discipline is also essential for achieving success. Drive is the innate, biological urge to pursue goals, while discipline, or grit, is the ability to persist in the face of obstacles and setbacks. Together, motivation, drive, and discipline form a powerful trio that can help you achieve your goals with greater focus, determination, and resilience.

Here are some specific strategies you can use to cultivate motivation, drive, and discipline:

1. Set clear goals: Clarify what you want to achieve, and set specific, measurable, and achievable goals that align with your values and priorities. Write down your goals and review them regularly to stay focused and motivated.

2. Find your why: Identify your deeper reasons for pursuing your goals, and remind yourself of them often. When you have a strong sense of purpose and motivation, it's easier to stay driven and disciplined.

3. Break tasks down into manageable chunks: Large tasks can be overwhelming and demotivating, so break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help you stay focused and motivated, and make it easier to maintain discipline and momentum.

4. Develop good habits: Build positive habits that support your goals, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, or daily meditation. These habits will help you stay motivated, energized, and focused.

5. Stay accountable: Share your goals with someone else, such as a friend, family member, or mentor. This will help you stay accountable and motivated, and give you an extra boost of drive and discipline when you need it.

6. Embrace failure: Don't be afraid to fail or make mistakes. Failure is a natural part of the learning process, and can provide valuable feedback that helps you refine your approach and move forward.

By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate motivation, drive, and discipline, and achieve your goals with greater focus and determination.