August 21, 2019 | Tagged Coaching,
How to Improve Intrinsic Motivation in yourself and those you lead
How to help athletes and others build greater intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic is a cornerstone of the teaching philosophy of NBC Camps. It’s been a bedrock for us since 1971. What exactly does intrinsic mean? It dates back to the 14 century and comes from the word—inner. The opposite of intrinsic is extrinsic which means external. NBC Camps has always believed it’s the interior of the athlete that is the most important—the heart, grit, confidence, tenacity, resilience and will to win that supersedes external appearance. Extrinsic means to be concerned about behavior, materials, and appearance.
Extrinsic motivation refers to the motivation to work hard or give one’s best for the possibility of a totally unrelated reward—money, fame, popularity, status or power. Intrinsic motivation is the willingness to work hard or give our best for a higher purpose, meaning, service, love for learning or growth opportunity. Extrinsic is dependent on external validation and is addicted to how others see us. Intrinsic is committed to personal potential and the optimistic view that obstacles are just opportunities, and that our interior lives are worth our time to develop.
Take time to meditate on how you view yourself and what motivates you. Are you extrinsically or intrinsically motivated? Most of us know we should live with greater meaning and less focus on the external illusion. Take time for the simple daily habit of remembering gratitude and a daily decision of commitment to meaning over the “rat race.” Often an intentional time to remember who we are and how we want to live is enough to bring us back to wholeness.
How to Increase Intrinsic Motivation
Increase curiosity. Intrinsic motivation increases in every aspect of life when curiosity increases. Boredom is the antithesis of curiosity. Become curious about improving your curiosity and the curiosity of those around you.
Provide autonomy and choice. Autonomy is the strongest predictor of intrinsic motivation. As parents, teachers, people, we need to really understand autonomy because it is that powerful.
Performance related feedback is connected to intrinsic motivation though researchers have not fully explored why and how. There is a large amount of research that connects negative feedback to a significant decrease in motivation whereas positive feedback connects to higher intrinsic motivation.
However, positive feedback in the form of comparison actually led to decreased motivation. Also, whether the feedback was perceived as positive or negative was a complication. A good rule of thumb—negative feedback as a coach or parent will lower intrinsic motivation. Comparison feedback even if it is positive, “you were way better than everyone else, “decreases intrinsic motivation.
Finally, positive feedback will increase intrinsic motivation however it is subjective and its best to check with the person you are working with to make sure your intent matches the impact and that the feedback is perceived as positive.
Live in the growth mindset. Gratitude, hope, optimism, resiliency, etc.… are all aspects of the growth mindset. Notice areas you tend to foreclose on your future. “I’m not good at math.” “His brother really learns fast.” “She is the smart one.” “I’m not a reader.” These are terrible statements. Your brain is one of the most amazing creations on the planet—few come close to its complexity and possibility. Respect your brain and keep in in a growth mindset.
The Life Example of an Intrinsically Motivated Player
As a freshman in High School, Former NBC Camper and Coach Shann was only 5’2 and his brother, only two year older, was 6’4”. Everyone thought Shann had no hope of playing Division 1 basketball. Shann loved the game. He would wake up early to watch college and NBA games and even wake in the middle of the night so that he could study moves and offensive patterns. His sophomore year, he made a compact with himself that he would make basketball his job and commit 10 hours of practice per day during the summer to getting better. He wrote out his goals and posted them on his mirror, he packed his lunch and was on the court by 7am. He eliminated sugar, sweets and other distractions. He built an intensive workout plan that he followed and journaled about. His motivation came from his own passion and will. His drive to put in the long hours was not mandated by his parents or coaches. He did it because he loved to play and couldn’t get enough.
Does it matter to you the end of the story? Do you have to be convinced that his hard work paid off—if so, you might be missing the point. He put in the hours and the work even if nothing came of it because it wasn’t the destination of the college scholarship but it was the joy in the journey to practice and work hard every day. Each day was the reward. And, yes, he did go on to play at the D1 college level and highest European pro level.
About NBC Basketball
NBC Basketball Camps are designed to improve the whole person physically, mentally and spiritually. NBC stands for Nothing Beats Commitment and the belief that our daily habits reveal our future self. Improve basketball and life skills through intentional practice and mentoring. NBC Basketball offers team camps, shooting camps, complete player camps, academies, clinics and travel teams. For more information about NBC Basketball visit www.nbccamps.com.