What’s Your Motivational Style?
Intrinsic Or Extrinsic: Knowing Your Motivation Style May Be Key To Meeting Goals
What gets you out of bed in the morning? Is it the desire to hit a challenging goal, the need to connect with others, the drive to be in charge, or the feeling that you're making a difference?
Understanding your personal motivational style is key to success and satisfaction. It allows you to align your goals, environment, and activities with what truly drives you. This post explores the different types of motivation and how to identify your own.
The Two Key Components of Motivation
First, motivation can be broken down into two primary types:
Intrinsic Motivation: This is the internal drive that comes from a genuine interest, enjoyment, or satisfaction in the task itself. You do it because you love the activity.
Extrinsic Motivation: This motivation arises from external factors, such as seeking rewards (like a bonus or a good grade), gaining recognition, or avoiding negative consequences.
The Four Main Motivational Styles
Beyond why you're motivated (intrinsic/extrinsic), your style often describes what you're motivated by. Most people are a mix, but one style is often dominant:
Achievement-Oriented: You're driven by the desire to excel and accomplish challenging goals. You thrive on competition and seek recognition for your achievements.
Affiliation-Oriented: You prioritize building and maintaining relationships. You're motivated by a sense of belonging, social connection, and being part of a team.
Power-Oriented: You're motivated by the desire to influence and control your environment or others. You seek leadership roles and enjoy making decisions.
Purpose-Oriented: You are driven by a deep sense of meaning and personal values. You're motivated to make a positive impact and contribute to a greater cause.
Why Knowing Your Style Matters
Understanding what drives you can enhance nearly every aspect of your life:
Better Goal-Setting: Aligning your goals with your motivational style (e.g., an affiliation-oriented person setting a team goal) increases the likelihood of achieving them.
Smarter Career Choices: Selecting a career that aligns with your style—like a purpose-oriented person working for a non-profit—leads to greater job satisfaction.
Stronger Relationships: Understanding your own and others' motivational styles helps you foster deeper connections and navigate conflicts more effectively.
Personal Growth: Knowing your style helps you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and what truly makes you tick.
How to Identify Your Style
To uncover your unique motivational style, try the following:
Reflect on your passions: What activities give you a sense of fulfillment and joy, even when no one is watching?
Analyze your past experiences: Which accomplishments have left you feeling the most satisfied and energized? Was it winning (Achievement), working with a great team (Affiliation), leading the project (Power), or helping others (Purpose)?
Seek feedback: Ask friends, family, or colleagues what they think drives you.
Take an assessment: Several online tools and assessments can help you identify your motivational style.
Final Thoughts
Knowing your motivational style is a powerful tool for self-awareness. By understanding what truly drives you and aligning your life with that style, you can create a more satisfying, engaging, and meaningful journey.
