Lunch and Learn with Lindsay – Issue 79: Trick or Treat : Where do you get your motivation from?

I’m issuing this on the day after Halloween. A steady stream of excited “Trick or Treaters” to Your Excellency HQ last might got me to thinking…

Are you motivated by fear and being spurred into action because you may be reprimanded or something may happen that you don’t like or don’t want?  (Trick)

Or are you motivated by thoughts of niceties and rewards that you will gain? (Treat)

We are motivated by either 1) external factors, the outside world and other people which is called “extrinsic motivation” or 2) from within ourselves, our personal drive based on interest and enjoyment in a task, which is called “intrinsic motivation”. 

Thinking about extrinsic motivation, there are 2 distinct types, namely: 

– The threat of reprimand or punishement for misbehaviour (Trick) and

– Being rewarded for showing a desired behaviour (Treat)

So, what’s motivating you right now!! Trick or Treat?