I don't think it's a Western thing to really talk about intrinsic motivation and the drive for autonomy, mastery and purpose. You have to not be struggling for survival. For people who don't know where their next meal is coming, notions of finding inner motivation are comical.
Interpretation
Intrinsic motivation is often overlooked in discussions about drive and purpose, especially by those struggling for basic needs.
In this quote, Daniel H. Pink highlights the disparity between those who have their basic needs met and those who do not. He suggests that concepts like intrinsic motivation—understood as the desire for autonomy, mastery, and purpose—can seem trivial or 'comical' to individuals whose survival is not guaranteed. This points to a fundamental truth: the privilege of pursuing deeper motivations comes only after basic survival concerns are addressed.
In practice
In a motivational seminar discussing personal growth and fulfillment.
While complying can be an effective strategy for physical survival, it's a lousy one for personal fulfillment. Living a satisfying life requires more than simply meeting the demands of those in control. Yet in our offices and our classrooms we have way too much compliance and way too little engagement. The former might get you through the day, but only the latter will get you through the night.
Succeeding makes us feel good. But beating someone else makes us feel really good. Comparing ourselves to others and coming out on top creates a sense of entitlement. And when we feel entitled, we cheat more because, of course, the rules don't apply to awesome people like us.
When we make progress and get better at something, it is inherently motivating. In order for people to make progress, they have to get feedback and information on how they're doing.
We have this myth that extroverts are better salespeople. As a result, extroverts are more likely to enter sales; extroverts are more likely to get promoted in sales jobs. But if you look at the correlation between extroversion and actual sales performance - that is, how many times the cash register actually rings - the correlation's almost zero.
Too many people hold a very narrow view of what motivates us. They believe that the only way to get us moving is with the jab of a stick or the promise of a carrot. But if you look at over 50 years of research on motivation, or simply scrutinize your own behavior, it's pretty clear human beings are more complicated than that.
Greatness and nearsightedness are incompatible. Meaningful achievement depends on lifting one's sights and pushing toward the horizon.
Ten thousand times has the labor movement stumbled and bruised itself. We have been enjoined by the courts, assaulted by thugs, charged by the militia, traduced by the press, frowned upon in public opinion, and deceived by politicians. 'But notwithstanding all this and all these, labor is today the most vital and potential power this planet has ever known, and its historic mission is as certain of ultimate realization as is the setting of the sun.
Get action. Seize the moment. Man was never intended to become an oyster.
Online I see people committing 'social media suicide' all the time by one of two ways. Firstly by responding to all criticism, meaning you're never going to find time to complete important milestones of your own, and by responding to things that don't warrant a response. This lends more credibility by driving traffic.
I have tried to keep on with my striving because this is the only hope I have of ever achieving anything worthwhile and lasting.
Set the goal and work all days for it, until you achieve, I want to be a champion, the best!
The next thing you do today will be the most important thing on your _x000D_ agenda, because, after all, you're doing it next. Well, perhaps it will _x000D_ be the most urgent thing. Or the easiest. In fact, the most important _x000D_ thing probably isn't even on your agenda.
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