Sources of Motivation
Motivation experts believe that our motivation to study can either come from inside (intrinsic motivation) or outside (extrinsic motivation). A student can be motivated to study of an inspiration to serve humanity (as a doctor, teacher, lawyer, engineer, etc), an intention to escape from poverty, or because a promised external reward like a trip abroad, a car, or graduating on top of the class.
These two sources of motivation to study—extrinsic and intrinsic- lead to disparate outcomes. Extrinsic motivation is driven by external forces such as popularity, grades, and money. Intrinsic motivation comes from within and can be as simple as the joy of accomplishing a task or as noble as finding a cure for cancer.
1. Extrinsic Motivation
An extrinsic motivation to study is often short-term and temporary. One can burst into action because of a dangling carrot (reward) or a stick (punishment). For example, students who demonstrate ningas kugon and procrastination are extrinsically motivated.
I will explain this further later.
2. Intrinsic Motivation
An intrinsic motivation to study is often long-term and sustained. For example, I find studying an enjoyable experience. Studying is both a means and an end. There is joy in learning new things, knowing that what I do can help others. [mfn] This is part 1 of a series that will help students crush it in school. But professionals will benefit from the ideas too. If you are interested to accelerate personal growth, explore these personal development ideas.[/mfn]
3. Two-prong motivation.
You don’t need to pick between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. You can combine them to turbo-charge and sustain your motivation to study.
People can help you get motivated. But you can also do it even if you don’t get the support of others.
So, I encourage you to continue reading because I will show you the proven and easy ways to keep yourself motivated to study. [mfn] But what if you have no motivation to study? I talked more about that in the piece No Motivation to Study. [/mfn]
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Eleanor Roosevelt
