Internal and external motivation are two different types of motivation that influence behavior and drive individuals to take action.

Internal motivation:

Internal motivation, also known as intrinsic motivation, comes from within an individual. It refers to the internal desire or drive to engage in an activity because it is enjoyable, interesting, or personally satisfying. Individuals who are internally motivated are typically driven by their own interests and passions rather than external rewards or pressures.

Examples of internal (intrinsic) motivation:

  • A person who enjoys playing the guitar and spends hours practicing without being asked to do so, because they find it personally rewarding and fulfilling.
  • A student who is passionate about learning and enjoys studying topics on their own, even when it is not required for a class or exam.
  • An artist who is driven to create art for the joy of self-expression, rather than for the potential fame or financial gain.

External motivation:

External motivation, on the other hand, also known as extrinsic motivation, comes from external sources. It refers to the external factors that motivate an individual to engage in an activity, such as rewards, recognition, or other external incentives. Individuals who are externally motivated are driven by external factors rather than their own personal interests or passions.

Examples of external (extrinsic) motivation:

  • A salesperson who is motivated to sell more products because they will receive a commission or bonus for meeting sales targets.
  • An employee who works harder because they hope to receive a promotion or raise in salary.