Intrinsic v. Extrinsic Motivation

What drives your life?

Intrinsic motivation comes from within and reflects the deep satisfaction, curiosity, or joy we feel when engaging in something for its own sake, while extrinsic motivation is driven by outside rewards like money, recognition, or status. Both can inspire action, but intrinsic motivation tends to fuel longer-lasting fulfilment because it aligns with our values and passions rather than relying on fleeting incentives. In society, this distinction matters: when education, work, or health practices are shaped around external pressures, people often burn out or lose interest, whereas fostering inner enjoyment and purpose leads to creativity, resilience, and sustainable growth. For personal wellbeing, learning to cultivate intrinsic motivation, finding joy in movement rather than just chasing weight loss, or embracing learning for curiosity rather than grades, supports mental health, reduces stress, and builds a sense of autonomy that empowers healthier, more meaningful lives. Intrinsic motivation depends upon inner rather than outer dynamics. If we are empty within, there will be little or no energy to drive our life. Jesus offers us a heart healed and full of the Holy Spirit, the greatest driving force in the universe.