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The Secret of Intrinsic Motivation: How to Find Your True Passion?
In daily life, many people are looking for their own passion and intrinsic motivation, which not only affects their quality of life, but also is related to their sense of achievement and satisfaction. Intrinsic motivation theory (Self-determination Theory, SDT) provides a framework for understanding human motivation and explores people's choices and behaviors in the absence of external influences. This theory has been driven by a series of studies since the 1970s and centers on understanding the impact of satisfying basic psychological needs on intrinsic motivation.
According to intrinsic motivation theory, basic human needs include autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
SDT emphasizes that autonomy means that individuals, as the leaders of their lives, choose to understand the goals they really want in their hearts. Competence relates to an individual's ability to master the environment, while relatedness refers to the need to establish meaningful connections with others. These three needs interact to allow people to find within themselves what drives them.
Why is intrinsic motivation so important?
Intrinsic motivation serves as the fuel for human endeavor as we move toward our desired goals. Research by psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan found that when external rewards are too strong, they will inhibit an individual's intrinsic motivation. This means that overreliance on extrinsic rewards may affect our enjoyment of and engagement with tasks. In contrast, when people are able to self-select and feel accomplished, their intrinsic motivation increases significantly.
Intrinsic motivation will bring personal satisfaction, while extrinsic rewards are nothing more than short-term stimulation.
The journey of self-exploration
The process of finding your passion is a journey of exploring your inner self. In order to understand their own intrinsic motivations, individuals can conduct some self-assessments. First, reflect on your past experiences and identify those moments when you felt deeply engaged. For example, have you ever stayed up late working on a project without feeling tired? These experiences often reveal what you are truly passionate about.
True enthusiasm is often revealed inadvertently.
Environmental impact
In addition to self-reflection, the power of the environment to promote the development of intrinsic motivation cannot be ignored. A friendly and supportive social circle will promote personal growth, whereas a highly competitive and demanding environment may inhibit potential. Therefore, it is crucial to find supporters, such as mentors, to fuel your enthusiasm and motivation.
Future direction
In the future, we need to have a deeper understanding of the practical applications of intrinsic motivation, especially in areas such as education and work. Enable individuals of all backgrounds to explore and pursue their passions and goals while respecting their autonomy and abilities.
Through self-exploration and external support, individuals can find a balance between their ideal goals.
No matter how tortuous life's journey is, the key is to understand your inner motivations. When you face a choice in life, can you truly ask yourself, is this what I long for deep in my heart?
