FromSubstack
Unlocking Intrinsic Motivation: From personal turning points to Self-Determination Theory, discover how autonomy, competence, and relatedness fuel enjoyment, learning, and perseverance, fostering a love for activities.
The Paradox of Rewards: Extrinsic rewards, while seemingly motivating in the short term, can significantly undermine intrinsic motivation for enjoyable activities in the long run. This highlights the importance of fostering genuine interest rather than relying solely on external incentives.
Autonomy as a Key Driver: Intrinsic motivation thrives when individuals feel a sense of autonomy and control over their choices and actions. Creating environments that foster independence and allow for personal decision-making can unlock deeper engagement and passion.
Competence as a Fuel: The feeling of competence and mastery in a task is a powerful motivator. Providing opportunities for skill development and celebrating achievements can fuel intrinsic motivation and create a positive feedback loop.
The Unexpected Power of Relatedness: Feeling connected and supported by others is crucial for intrinsic motivation, even in solitary activities. A sense of belonging and positive relationships can create a foundation for individuals to pursue their passions with greater enthusiasm.
Dopamine and Intrinsic Motivation: The user highlights a thought-provoking alternative explanation by linking dopamine to intrinsic motivation. This perspective suggests that dopamine spikes associated with stimuli and rewards can drive behavior, offering a neurochemical perspective to complement SDT's psychological framework.