, how we can accept them, and how to test them against our own personal histories to make sure we are on the right track. Now, let's look at that list of motivations and determine if we have stumbled upon a mix that is likely to help us reach our maximum potential
.Many theorists break motivations down into two categories: intrinsic motivations
and extrinsic motivations
. The separation may not always be as crisp and clean as some pretend, but the concept itself is very valuable. Intrinsic motivations stem from within. They are generally reflections of very deeply held personal beliefs and core character traits. Extrinsic motivations, on the other hand, focus on things outside of ourselves. You can understand them as "rewards" doled out for achievement.One shouldn't necessarily value one type over the other, as both kinds of motivations can have a positive impact on your life and your efforts to reach your potential. However, intrinsic motivations do tend to be stronger and more "persuasive" than do extrinsic motivations for most people. Meanwhile, extrinsic motivations seem to have an uncanny ability to inspire action at times when we might otherwise feel ready to "throw in the towel." They are a great short-term boos to the pursuit of any goal.
In a best case scenario, you work will have turned up a series of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. You will understand what deeply-seated ideas inspire you and you will also have an idea of what outside possibilities might be used to give you an extra push when "the going gets rough."
You'll want to rely on those intrinsic motivations to help guide you toward the formulation of goals that will allow you to reach your highest levels of potential, but you will be able to use extrinsic motivations along the way, to help propel you from the status quo to you're the lofty heights of your aspirations.
Understanding motivations
, inside and out, will empower you to use them in the most effective possible manner.
