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.
By nature, I keep moving, man. My theory is, be the shark. You've just got to keep moving. You can't stop.
Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career.
We all have a tendency to avoid our weaknesses. When we do that, we never progress or get any better.
I'm a slow walker, but I never walk back.
A good friend of mine once told me that each morning when you wake up, think about winning the day. Don't worry about a week from now or a month from now - just think about one day at a time. If you are worried about the mountain in the distance, you might trip over the molehill right in front of you. Win the day!
I am very proud to be called a pig. It stands for pride, integrity and guts.
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