How to be intrinsically Motivated

“Intrinsic” means belonging naturally, and its Latin root translates as “inward” so I like to think of intrinsic motivation as motivation from within.  Intrinsic motivation is the best kind of motivation because there is no bribery, guilt, or coercion. You’re doing something because you want to do it, end of story. 

When I was a kid, I only cleaned my room when my Dad threatened to throw whatever was on the floor out the window. So I’d tidy up, hating every minute of it. A few months would go by, and the scenario would repeat. It seemed as though I always needed my Dad’s ire to light a fire under my butt. I was not intrinsically motivated when it came to my bedroom. My motivation was extrinsic. 

Intrinsic or extrinsic? There is a time and a place for both and both can get the job done. However, when it comes to you, and day after day sticking to a workout routine, intrinsic is the way to be. Why? Because it makes empowered wellness easier to come by. After all, fitness is everyday. It’s a way of life.

How does one get intrinsically motivated when it comes to exercise? Here are the three keys: 
1. Find a type of movement that feels good. Warning: you may have to kiss a lot of frogs! A lot of women were turned off to exercise long ago in high school P.E. class, where there was some sort of shame or pain, so they avoid it. They’ve written it off. I assure you, there is.a movement modality that is delicious, just keep kissing those frogs. I assure you – you’ll find your prince!
2. Get your energy up. We need to be rested, alert, and energized. Too many of us are sleep-deprived and/or strung out on stress. This is not the proper way to enter into a workout. 
3. Use exercise as a respite from the pressures and responsibilities in your life. To me, this is a big part of why I covet exercise so much. When I’m working out, the dishes in the sink are not my problem. My work out is time to myself, for myself, and it’s the best ever.

And intrinsic motivation is the best ever, but if you don’t have it yet, no problem. You can cultivate it, just find the right workout, bring your energized self to that workout, and think of that workout as a break from any stressful stuff.
Some people are intrinsically motivated to shop. 
Some people are intrinsically motivated to drink.
We are intrinsically motivated to move.
Let’s Move!