What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual and is driven by personal satisfaction, enjoyment, or the inherent challenge of an activity. For example, an athlete may engage in a sport simply because they love the game or find it intellectually stimulating. This kind of motivation is often associated with higher levels of engagement, creativity, and sustained participation since the individual experiences a deep sense of fulfillment and personal growth.

Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, involves external rewards or influences. This can include trophies, medals, praise from coaches or peers, or even financial incentives. These external factors can drive behavior as well, but they may not foster the same level of long-term commitment or passion for the activity. Instead, individuals may participate primarily to achieve these external rewards rather than for the sake of the activity itself.

Therefore, recognizing that intrinsic motivation is internally driven while extrinsic motivation relies on external rewards highlights a key distinction between the two types of motivation. Understanding this difference can significantly impact coaching strategies, as fostering intrinsic motivation can lead to more sustained engagement in sports and activities.