Extrinsic Motivation

Put the Theories of Motivation to Work for Maximum Self Motivation

There are Many Sources Trying to Influence Your Extnernal Motivation - You May Be Surprised

You are surrounded by and subject to extrinsic motivation attacks on an ongoing basis. How so? Let's remember that this type of motivation results from external influences. These external forces continuously attempt to conform your behavior or actions towards certain outcomes.

The Dreaded Negative Motivation

In the Office:

Unfortunately, negative motivation is often the prevalent tactic used. Want examples? In the workplace, Boss's use fear and scare tactics such as the threat of job termination if an employee doesn't perform or behave in a certain matter. How about more subtle negative motivation such as exclusion from important meetings or events or mysteriously being bypassed for every promotional opportunities offered?

In Your Face Motivation Manipulation:

This type of unwanted motivation doesn't stop in the office. Politicians use it all the time. Their preferred method is fear. They bombard you with information meant to scare you silly so you will back their politic views or decisions. Or they use negative campaigining to turn you against their opponents during election time.

Parents Get In On The Act, Too:

Need more examples? How about parents use of negative motivation with kids? Clean your room or lose your video game privileges. Improve your grades or miss you school dance. Eat your vegetables or no dessert.

You see, negative motivation is everywhere and very popular. Granted. This type of motivation is needed in certain situations, but you want to be careful that it is not used to intentionally manipulate you.

Motivation Crowding Theory

If you use negative motivation you need to be aware of the motivation crowding theory. This theory contends external intervention such as money or pain may undermine or stregthen internal motivation depending on the circumstances.

Positive Motivation

Now, on the reverse side, there is positive motivation. Often times, this is the form of an incentive or reward. Of course, the incentive or reward most be something that is important or useful or it defeats the purpose.

Examples of positive extrinsic motivation are - retail store reward cards which provide you a free item or deep discount after you spend so much money. The idea is to move you to spend a little more than you intended for perceived savings or benefits down the road. Another example is media giveaways of free vacations or trips. Other extrinsic motivators are trophies, Olympic gold medals, contest, competition, and company bonuses.

Motivation Full Throttle

Without a doubt, extrinsic motivation is heavily used and relied upon. Is this a bad thing? Absolutely not. Whatever it takes, use it. Action is everything. Movement and progress are the flames that keep your motivation ignited.