Finding vs. Creating Motivation
Many people believe that motivation is something they have to find. They look for external sources—an inspiring speech, a reward, or even pressure from others—to push them into action. While extrinsic motivation can work in the short term, it’s unreliable for long-term success.
The good news is you don’t have to search for motivation. You can create it by aligning your values with your goals. This is how intrinsic motivation works. It comes from within and keeps you going even when things get tough.
Extrinsic Motivation: Why It’s Short-Lived
External factors drive extrinsic motivation. Things like:
✅ Deadlines that force you to get work done
✅ Rewards like bonuses, promotions, or praise
✅ Fear of consequences, like failing a test or disappointing someone
This kind of motivation can be effective, and sometimes we need it. The problem is that it fades when the external factor is removed. Once the deadline passes, the reward is given, or the pressure is gone, motivation often disappears, too.
That’s why people start strong and then lose momentum—whether it’s a new fitness routine, a project at work, or a personal goal.
Intrinsic Motivation: How to Make It Last
Intrinsic motivation comes from within. It keeps you going when no one is watching, when there’s no immediate reward, and when things get hard. It’s fueled by two key factors:
🔹 Values – The things that truly matter to you.
🔹 A Compelling Future – A vision that excites and inspires you.
Motivation becomes natural when your actions align with your values, and you have a clear goal to move toward. You don’t need to force yourself to take action. You want to.
Why We Lose Motivation
Think back to a time when you struggled with motivation. Chances are, one or both of these things were missing:
🚫 It didn’t align with your values – If something doesn’t feel meaningful, it’s hard to stay motivated. Maybe you took on a project because you felt like you “should,” and it didn’t actually excite you.
🚫 There was no compelling future pulling you forward – When there’s nothing exciting on the horizon, it’s easy to lose interest. Without a strong “why,” every challenge feels like a burden rather than a step toward something better.
How to Create Motivation
Instead of relying on external forces, build motivation from within by asking:
✅ Does this align with my values? – If not, how can I connect it to something that does? Example: If you value growth and struggle with reading, remind yourself that learning new things fuels your personal development.
✅ What’s my compelling future? – What am I moving toward? If your goal isn’t exciting, redefine it. Example: Instead of just “getting in shape,” envision being active with your kids, feeling confident, or having more energy for adventures.
Motivation becomes a natural byproduct when your goals align with what truly matters to you. You’re not just chasing an outcome. You’re living in alignment with who you are.
Final Thoughts
Yes, extrinsic motivation works. And it’s temporary. If you want lasting motivation, create it by aligning your values with a compelling future. When you do, you won’t have to force yourself to stay motivated—it will happen naturally.
What’s something you’ve struggled to stay motivated with? Could shifting your focus to values and a compelling future make a difference?
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