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Motivation, Values and Purpose
Amanda N. Rhodes
Department of Psychology, Liberty University
PSYC101-D01: General Psychology
Professor Shawn George
July 25, 2022
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Motivation, Values and Purpose
Mankind as a whole is driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. There are several
differences between motivation that comes from extrinsic motivation which is driven by an
external reward, and intrinsic motivation which is driven by one’s individual interest, yet they
both influence one’s behavior (George, et al. 2021). Either driven by intrinsic or extrinsic
motivation, we all have a sense of achievement. This could come from competing for the highest
grade in class, to competing to see who the fastest runner is (George, et al. 2021).
When one is intrinsically motivated, they engage in an activity because they find it
satisfying or are interested in said activity, such as volunteer work (George, et al. 2021).
Whereas, when one is extrinsically motivated, they engage in activity because there is an end
reward. Being extrinsically motivated is beneficial in many aspects of one’s life. For example,
working toward one’s degree is not the most pleasant at times, but the end reward is incredible
and will provide a rewarding future. In this instance, being both intrinsically and extrinsically
motivated aid in the completion of one’s degree because you will be satisfied once finished and
will be rewarded for your accomplishments.
My motivation, intrinsically and extrinsically, come from my want to help people.
Growing up it was often frowned upon to discuss troubles or issues out of fear of being judged in
small town USA, but as I have grown older I have discovered that no matter your walk in life,
we are all faced with trials. These trials could be a family member struggling with addiction, to a
community member struggling to keep their child on the right path. My internal satisfaction
comes from being satisfied volunteering with troubled youth through our local juvenile detention
center. This volunteer work has aided in my degree path tremendously. In which I am currently
working toward earning my pre-law degree, which is my extrinsic motivation, in order to further
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my education as an attorney. In this journey I hope to one day help these kids so that they know
there are other options for a better life.
One can find motivation in their values and purpose by overlapping things “that which
you excel at” and things “that which the world needs” (George, et al 2020 p. 8). You are taking
your passion for something and using it for the greater good. For example, if you are a doctor
and you specialize in cleft palate reconstruction, you could use your skills to aid in countries who
would not be able to afford this surgery otherwise. I, personally, am motivated to continue my
education to aid in the greater good of those around me. My passion, as well as my intrinsic and
extrinsic motivations aid as encouragement day-to-day. As I learn, I gain insight, experience and
knowledge for the legal field. I feel strongly that God has guided me in this direction so that I
can do something great, and I will continue to give it my all. As stated, “I will instruct thee and
teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye , ” (King James Bible
1769/2008, Psalm 32:8).
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References
George, S., Kelley, B., & Piferi, R. (2021) Introduction to psychology from a Christian
worldview: A customized version of psychology... in a complex world by Jennifer Bonds-
Raacke Design. KENDALL HUNT.
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9781792472152
King James Bible. (2008) Oxford University Press. (Original work published 1769)
