The Power of Intrinsic Motivation

Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Sarah who had a passion for dancing. Sarah had been dancing since she was five years old and had always dreamed of becoming a professional dancer. She spent hours every day practicing, attending classes, and perfecting her technique. However, despite her hard work and dedication, Sarah found herself struggling with motivation.

As Sarah's love for dance grew, so did her desire to be the best. She wanted to dance on the biggest stages and receive the most recognition for her skills. However, as she compared herself to other dancers, she found herself feeling discouraged and disheartened. She questioned whether she was good enough, and whether her dreams were attainable.

One day, Sarah met a famous dancer who had performed in some of the world's most prestigious theatres. The dancer saw Sarah's potential and offered to mentor her. Over the next few months, the dancer worked closely with Sarah, teaching her new techniques and giving her feedback on her performances.

With her mentor's guidance, Sarah's confidence grew, and she began to see significant improvements in her dancing. Her performances became more precise, more expressive, and more captivating. She started winning competitions and gaining recognition in the dance community. However, despite her success, Sarah still felt like something was missing.

One day, Sarah's mentor asked her, "What motivates you to dance?" Sarah thought for a moment and replied, "I think it's the feeling I get when I'm dancing. It's like nothing else matters. When I'm dancing, I feel free, alive, and connected to something bigger than myself."

Sarah's mentor nodded and said, "That's what true motivation is. It's not about winning competitions or impressing others. It's about doing what you love and being in the moment. That's what will keep you going when things get tough."

Sarah realized that her motivation had been misplaced. She had been focused on external factors, such as winning competitions and gaining recognition, rather than the joy of dancing itself. With her new understanding of motivation, Sarah was able to push herself further than she ever had before.

Sarah started to find a new appreciation for dance, and she began to focus on the process rather than the outcome. She found that her performances became more authentic and more meaningful, as she was dancing for herself, rather than for the approval of others. She found a renewed passion for dance, and it became the driving force in her life.

Years later, Sarah became a famous dancer in her own right, performing all over the world and inspiring others to follow their dreams. She never forgot the lesson her mentor had taught her about motivation, and she passed that lesson on to her own students.

This story illustrates the importance of finding intrinsic motivation, which comes from within and is based on personal interests and values, rather than extrinsic motivation, which is driven by external factors such as rewards or recognition. When we are motivated by something we love and are passionate about, we are more likely to persist through challenges and achieve our goals.

Many people, like Sarah, focus on external motivators like money, fame, and status. While these motivators can be helpful, they are often fleeting and can leave individuals feeling empty and unfulfilled. Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is sustainable and can bring joy and satisfaction to one's life.

When we are intrinsically motivated, we are more likely to engage in activities that align with our values and passions. We are also more likely to persist through challenges and setbacks, as we are fueled by a sense of purpose and meaning.

Do what you love without expecting the outcome is the mantra.