Inherent Motivation: The Search For Meaning

The search for meaning is the key to inherent motivation and personal fulfillment. Setting a goal and identifying what is most meaningful to us creates a “silver path” that guides us daily so that we do not lose direction. This is the only way we can bring passion and strength to our work and create a fence to block those who will dare to try to abduct us from our own path.

It is common for psychologists to ask their patients three questions: “What defines you?”, “What are your values?” and “What does life mean to you?” We have inherited these principles from Victor Frankl and his work in logotherapy, which helps us to bring our motivations to light.

Today, many experts point out that the search for meaning is one of society’s most basic needs. We are currently experiencing an uncomfortable feeling of emptiness. A few decades ago we used religion and spirituality to try to fill the void, but today we need more.

We can say that we have moved away from understanding our origin and cosmic position. Science has given us valuable answers and we have a lot of information within reach. Nevertheless, among major technological advances, other concerns arise.

“Why am I here?” or “What do I expect from myself?” are questions people tend to ask themselves. In other words, instead of asking ourselves the meaning of life, we now ask about our relationship with life and ourselves.

Inherent motivation: A commitment to yourself

There are two types of motivation: extrinsic and inherent. Extrinsic motivation stems from the need to behave in a certain way in order to receive an external reward. Inherent motivation is when a person does certain things for the sole pleasure of doing them without needing any external motivation.

A study conducted by Strathfield College shows that inherent motivation is regulated by a number of concrete processes. Thus, important qualities such as creativity, curiosity, reflection, critical mind and initiative work together to generate their own motivation.

That said, we have been educated under the parameters of extrinsic motivation for much of our lives. “If you do this, I’ll give you a good grade.” “Do it well, and I’ll buy you a toy.” “If you pass the tests, I’ll let you go.”

In addition, our society also manipulates our behavior through a system of rewards, punishments and positive feedback. Essentially, we have been so mindful of external satisfaction that we can feel lost without it. Being dependent on the external world creates internal voids and blocks initiative and boldness to look for one’s own reward.

Inherent motivation and the search for meaning: A personal commitment

The search for meaning forms our own motivation. When we discover a basic purpose or passion that will guide our values ​​and determination, everything changes. But how do we do that? We are so full of obligations, limitations and disruptions that it is difficult to find our purpose.

Yet there is something we cannot ignore: people are wise and courageous. We can conduct our search for meaning in all situations and scenarios:

• Talk to someone who lets us see other views.
• Travel.
• Read a book.
• Learn something new.
• Open our minds to a new taste.
• Attend a conference.
• Play a sport.
• Meet new people.

To commit to oneself

Searching for meaning involves committing oneself to oneself. For example, this may mean that you do not set aside your own needs. It can also mean spending quality time with yourself, taking care of yourself or finding opportunities to experience something new.

Be curious, challenge yourself and enjoy

Sometimes we have no choice but to forget old lessons to learn again. We have been hindered by extrinsic motivation and the need to be validated for so long that we have forgotten how exciting it is to escape the cycle and challenge the world.

We must dare to think differently, be creative and innovative. Being brave leads to discovery, and the search for meaning leads us to do new things and escape from routine.

Finally, it is a personal obligation to find a vital purpose we are to work towards. We can fill our gaps with experiences and opportunities. Often, life reveals many meanings we should focus on in order to find our motivation.