Types of Motivation in Sports
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation comes from within - it's when athletes participate in sports purely for the enjoyment and satisfaction they get from the activity itself. Think of it as doing something because you genuinely love it!
Key characteristics of intrinsic motivation:
- Personal enjoyment
- Self-improvement drive
- Natural curiosity and interest
- Sense of accomplishment
- Challenge-seeking behavior
A runner who goes for early morning runs simply because they love the feeling of running, regardless of whether they win races or receive recognition, is intrinsically motivated.
Extrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation comes from external factors - rewards, recognition, or avoiding punishment. It's when athletes are driven by outcomes rather than the activity itself.
Types of extrinsic motivators:
- Tangible rewards
- Medals
- Prize money
- Trophies
- Social rewards
- Recognition
- Fame
- Status
- Environmental factors
- Parental pressure
- Coach expectations
- Team requirements
While extrinsic motivation can be powerful, it's generally considered less sustainable than intrinsic motivation in the long term.
