Motivation.

Internal and external motivation are the two main types of motivation, which include all motivational factors.

Internal motivation is related to internal rewards, while external motivation is related to external rewards, but within these categories, there are more detailed types of motivation that highlight specific motivating factors.

Understanding both the general internal and external rewards, and the specific types of rewards, will help you better determine which incentives are best used for motivation, so let’s start with the main categories, and then look at the different types.

The main types of motivation

Internal motivation

Intrinsic motivation is based on intrinsic rewards, such as self-improvement or helping others, such as seeking promotion to gain valuable skills, or wanting to improve the lives of the people around you.

But intrinsic motivation can also be negative, for example, you can motivate yourself to learn new things to avoid feeling dissatisfied, and even though the outcome is positive, the driving force is to prevent negativity.

Intrinsic motivation is usually more stable, as it focuses on positive or altruistic things that you can control.

External motivation

External motivation depends on external rewards, such as money or praise, for example, you may work harder because of an expected pay rise.

External motivation can also be negative, for example, fear of being fired can motivate you to do your job better.

External motivation includes many different types that highlight specific external motivational drivers.

Motivation is thus more complex than simply separating internal and external stimuli. For more information on internal and external rewards, as well as specific types of motivation, check out my article on internal and external motivation.

Types of Internal Motivation

Competence and motivation for learning

Competence motivation, or learning motivation, is based on learning and skills improvement. People who are motivated by this type value the process of acquiring new knowledge and skills, not just the ultimate reward. For example, the pursuit of advancement is motivated by the desire to gain valuable skills, not just higher wages. This is an important motivator, because skills stay with you and their value is hard to overstate.

Attitude motivation

Attitude motivation involves the desire to change one’s own or someone else’s thinking and feelings. People motivated by this type engage in actions to improve the emotional state of themselves and others. For example, working for a nonprofit or volunteering is motivated by the desire to make people happy and, in turn, feel better. Similarly, managers who rejoice in the success of their employees also participate in the motivation of the relationship.

Motivation to achieve

Achievement motivation is based on a desire to achieve certain goals. People driven by this type of motivation value the process of completing the task, not just rewards. For example, an entrepreneur can build a business to create a successful organization, not just for money. These people are self-motivated and value the process of improvement and achievement, which brings them a sense of satisfaction.

Creative motivation

Creative motivation is based on the desire for self-expression through creative projects, whether writing a book, making a film, playing the guitar or starting a business, creative motivation manifests itself as an inner sense of the need to express your ideas and thoughts, your creations can be both material and intangible.

Physiological motivation

Physiological motivation involves internal forces and feelings that are difficult to explain. For example, love can motivate you to take actions that seem beyond your control. These feelings, such as the desire for basic needs (food, shelter) and higher levels of self-actualization, are innate and strongly influence our behavior, helping us understand our own and others’ motivational processes.

Types of external motivation

Encouraging motivation

Encouraging motivation is based on the pursuit of external rewards. Instead of being motivated by the achievement of the goal itself, people here are driven by expected rewards, such as a pay raise. For example, the desire for a raise is motivated not so much by the satisfaction of new responsibilities as by an increase in income.

However, reward motivation can be positive if used in conjunction with achievement motivation. For example, a combination of high pay and interesting work can be a powerful incentive. Look for goals that include both external rewards and internal satisfaction.

Motivation by fear

Fear-motivation uses negative consequences to motivate action: it’s a «negative motivator» where avoidance of pain or consequences becomes a driving force, for example, fear of being fired can motivate you to perform your duties better.

While fear motivation may seem negative, it can also be used in a positive way. For example, planning a summer party can motivate you to stay fit and follow a diet to avoid awkwardness. Think of fear motivation as positive stress that helps you overcome bad habits and achieve your goals.

Motivation of power

The motivation for power is to try to control one’s own life and the lives of others. People motivated by this type of motivation want to have more opportunities and influence the environment, and this can manifest itself in the desire to influence the direction of one’s life and the lives of others.

In extreme cases, the motivation of power can have negative consequences, as in historical examples. However, in moderate doses, it can be positive. For example, the desire to control your life and make informed decisions can be useful. The motivation of power encourages you to be intentional in your actions and live as you want.

Using different types of motivation

When and how to use different types of motivation:

The optimal motivational strategy is to combine multiple types to achieve maximum efficiency, but different situations require different approaches, and consider what types of motivation are best suited for business and sports.

Motivation in business

Business is a unique environment, where you often have to motivate yourself and others, and it is important to consider the following types of motivation:

1. Motivation to achieve
2. Encouraging motivation
3. Motivation by fear
4. Motivation of power
5. Competence of motivation
6. Attitude motivation
7. Creative motivation

These types of motivation will help you and your team achieve maximum performance.

Motivation in sport

In sports, motivation is important for both individual athletes and teams. The main types of motivation include:

1. Motivation to achieve
2. Encouraging motivation
3. Motivation by fear
4. Motivation of power
5. Competence of motivation
6. Attitude motivation

For individual athletes, both internal and external motivators, such as the desire to improve skills and bonus checks for victories, are important. Teams are often dominated by external factors aimed at the overall goal of winning, but teams with high chemistry can be motivated internally, supporting each other.

Types of motivation in education and for students

In educational settings, motivation is often taught as a theory rather than as practical advice. However, there are powerful motivational drivers that can be used.

1. Theory of Expectations of Motivation
2. Equity Theory of Motivation
3. The theory of motivation excitation

These theories can be powerful tools when applied correctly.

Motivation of students

For students, specific types of internal and external motivation are important:

1. Motivation to achieve
2. Encouraging motivation
3. Motivation of competence
4. Creative motivation

These types of motivations will help you and your students achieve academic success.

Motivation in Psychology

Psychologists are more interested in the theoretical aspects of motivation. Basic theories, such as the theory of motivation expectations, the theory of motivation equity, and the theory of motivation arousal, are applicable in psychology.

For more information on the main motivational theories, check out my article on the best motivational theories.

In general, all types of motivation are divided into internal and external, but there are many different incentives that can contribute to your success. Each type of motivation has its own characteristics, but you can combine them to achieve the optimal level of motivation. Understanding when and where to apply each type of motivation, and which ones are most effective for you, will help increase your motivational strength.