Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Sports

The reason why athletes are motivated to play their sport has a substantial impact on how well they are able to perform.  There are two main reasons why players are motivated.  The first, is intrinsic motivation, which means one is motivated to train and practice for their pure love for the game.  They practice and train for competition for the sake of being the best they can be in the sport that they love.  The second reason athletes are motivated, is by extrinsic reward and satisfaction.  This is generally associated with external goals such as money, fame, status, and peer approval.  Both means of motivation are driven by goals, but are fundamentally different in nature.  In this blog, I will address the differences and the effects of being driven by the two different types of motivation.

Intrinsic motivation

Intrinsically motivated athletes participate in sports for pure enjoyment and habitually concentrate on skill development and growth.  Some behaviors related to intrinsic athletes are better task-relevant focus, fewer changes (ups and downs) in motivation, less distraction, less stress when mistakes are made, increased confidence and self-efficacy, and greater satisfaction.1  Extrinsically motivated athletes can also experience some of these effects, but not as consistently or by the same nature of enjoyment.  The intrinsically motivated athlete shows more stability and longevity in performance, and their work ethic generally reflects one of self-determination and pro-active initiative.  Often times, but not always, you can identify the intrinsically motivated athlete on your team as the first one to practice or the last one to leave.  They are consistently putting in extra work that is not required by the coaching staff.   

Extrinsic Motivation

“Extrinsic motivation may come from social sources, such as not wanting to disappoint a parent, or material rewards, such as trophies and college scholarships. Extrinsically motivated athletes tend to focus on the competitive or performance outcome.”1 The biggest problem associated with this type of motivation is allowing your behaviors to be controlled by extrinsic rewards or repercussions.  Athletes can become so immersed in performing to others’ expectations that they begin playing the game because they have to meet exterior expectations.  These types of players are their own worst enemy.  They are typically more inconsistent in work ethic and performance, moody, extremely hard on themselves, and potentially cancerous.  Though extrinsic reward should not be the driving force for motivation, it can still be a positive tool to reward or affirm that an athlete is on the right track.

Motivational Balance  

In sports, at every level, there are both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.  To have a balanced motivation in your sport and perform at your best, you have to have a realistic perspective.  “On balance, it is much more important to be high in intrinsic motivation than to be high in extrinsic motivation. In the long run, extrinsic motivation is only effective when intrinsic motivation is high.”2 The key in reaching this ideal balance is not allowing your behaviors to be controlled by extrinsic factors, but instead remain in control of your own behaviors because of your love for the game, and establish your goals accordingly.

References

1Hatch, S., Thomsen, D., & Waldron, J. (n.d.). Extrinsic Rewards and Motivation. Retrieved July 20, 2015.

2Karageorghis, C., & Terry, P. (n.d.). Balance intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for success. Retrieved July 20, 2015.