When your motivation is more extrinsic, the result is more important than the process
When your motivation is more extrinsic, it means that your drive or desire to do something is influenced by external factors, such as rewards, recognition, or avoiding punishments. In this case, the end result or outcome of an activity becomes more important than the actual process or the enjoyment derived from it.
To understand this concept further, let's break it down into steps:
1. Define Extrinsic Motivation: Extrinsic motivation refers to the external factors that drive our behavior. It could be a tangible reward like money or a promotion, social recognition, or avoiding punishment or negative consequences.
2. Identify the Focus on Results: When your motivation is more extrinsic, you tend to prioritize the end result or the desired outcome of an activity. The focus shifts from the process itself to obtaining the desired outcome or reward.
3. Prioritize Rewards or Recognition: In an extrinsically motivated mindset, the rewards or recognition associated with the outcome become more important. For example, you may be more motivated to complete a project if it comes with a monetary bonus or if it leads to a promotion rather than finding enjoyment in the process of working on the project itself.
4. Minimal Importance of Process: The process or the journey towards the goal might take a backseat when the focus is on the desired outcome. The enjoyment or personal satisfaction derived from the process of engaging in the activity becomes less significant compared to the end result or reward.
It's worth noting that while extrinsic motivation can be helpful in driving behavior and achieving goals, it may have limitations. In certain cases, a sole emphasis on the outcome can diminish intrinsic motivation, which is driven by internal factors like personal enjoyment, passion, or a sense of purpose. Finding a balance between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation is often ideal for long-term fulfillment and sustainable motivation.
When your motivation is more extrinsic, it means that your drive to accomplish something is based on external factors such as rewards, recognition, or outcomes. In this case, the result or the end goal becomes the primary focus, and the process of achieving it may become less significant.
For example, imagine you are working on a project at your job. Your motivation to complete the project comes from the potential promotion and bonus you will receive if it is successful. In this scenario, the result or the promotion is of utmost importance to you, and you may be less concerned about the process of completing the project or the quality of your work.
This type of extrinsic motivation can sometimes overshadow the intrinsic motivation, which is driven by personal enjoyment, interest, or satisfaction derived from the process itself. Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, emphasizes the joy and fulfilment one gets from the actual work, regardless of the end result.
While extrinsic motivation can provide a temporary boost and help achieve short-term goals, relying solely on external rewards or outcomes can lead to reduced creativity, decreased satisfaction, and burnout in the long run. It is important to find a balance between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation to maintain a healthy and sustainable drive towards achieving your goals.
When your motivation is more extrinsic, it means that your primary focus is on the end result or outcome, rather than the process or journey to get there. In this case, you might be driven by external rewards such as money, recognition, or praise.
Here are the typical characteristics and implications of having extrinsic motivation where the result is more important than the process:
1. Goal-orientation: You have a clear objective or target in mind and are willing to put in the necessary effort to achieve it.
2. Productivity-oriented: You may prioritize efficiency and effectiveness, as reaching the desired outcome is your main priority.
3. Lack of enjoyment: The enjoyment or satisfaction derived from the process itself may be minimal compared to the satisfaction gained from achieving the end result.
4. Lower persistence: If the task or process becomes challenging or uninteresting, you may be more likely to lose interest or motivation since it is the outcome that primarily drives you.
5. Potential for burnout: Constantly focusing on the end result can increase the pressure and stress levels, leading to burnout if not managed properly.
6. Reduced creativity: When the emphasis is on reaching a specific result, there may be less room for experimentation, exploration, or thinking outside the box.
7. Dependency on external validation: External rewards, such as praise or recognition, may be crucial for you to feel motivated and satisfied with your accomplishments.
It's important to note that while extrinsic motivation can be beneficial in certain situations, developing intrinsic motivation (being motivated by internal factors like personal interest, enjoyment, or a sense of purpose) can result in more sustainable and fulfilling long-term motivation.