My car is a place for deep thoughts and for pretending I’m a famous singer. Today was a deep thought day. I’ve been reading a book about external versus internal motivation. External motivation includes prizes and praise from others. Internal motivation occurs when the individual sets and reaches a goal without the external prize. Internal motivation sounds noble. It says, “I always do what I’m suppose to do, because I just do it for the right reason”. Here’s the reality for me. I’m intrinsically motivated sometimes. There are many other times where the prize is my goal.
I like congratulations. We’ve had contests at work where the winner gets a Starbucks gift card. I don’t drink coffee but I’m really motivated to get that card. If all external motivation suddenly stopped, I might read books, watch movies and take long bubble baths all day.
In true external motivation fashion, I made myself an award button. The cashier at the grocery store thought it was funny.
Where do you fall on the external and internal motivation debate?
my 13 day challenge 
Amee, don’t forget that Starbucks has many wonderful things other than coffee… like apple cider with caramel and whipped cream, or hot chocolate, or even the pastries. Just sayin 🙂