Can you recall the last time you became completely absorbed in a captivating book or an engaging magazine article? You likely found yourself so engrossed that you continued reading until the very end, driven by a sense of enjoyment, fun, or sheer interest. This experience is akin to the little moments of motivation that fuel your performance—tiny rewards that give you a sense of fulfillment as you progress through your tasks. These small boosts act as powerful tools to help you stay on track and even surpass your original goals. Take my example of reading for pleasure as an illustration of intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation occurs when we engage in an activity for its own sake, purely because it offers us personal satisfaction and joy. This form of motivation is fundamentally different from extrinsic motivation, which is driven by external factors. In extrinsic motivation, actions are taken to gain a reward or to avoid punishment; for instance, you might read a textbook to prepare for a certification exam. So, which type of motivation is superior? Research indicates that when individuals are intrinsically motivated, they tend to perform better overall—they are more passionate, committed, and persistent in their efforts. Therefore, when possible, tapping into your own intrinsic motivation can lead to the best outcomes, particularly in the long run. This means exploring activities that resonate personally with you, providing you with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfilment. However, it's not uncommon to find ourselves in situations where intrinsic motivation is hard to access. When that happens, leveraging extrinsic motivation can be a useful alternative. Studies have shown that self-rewards can significantly increase the goals you set and the achievements you reach. Therefore, while some might feel it’s self-indulgent or excessive to consistently recognise their efforts through small gestures, this practice actually enhances performance. How can you incorporate this habit into your daily routine? Here’s a simple guide: reward yourself each time you reach a milestone or achieve a specific goal. This creates something to look forward to during your work and fosters a sense of trust in yourself. By acknowledging that good effort deserves recognition, you develop a system of positive reinforcement that encourages ongoing motivation and performance. Consider how vast and varied these rewards can be. A meaningful reward for one person may differ significantly from another's. For example, perhaps you've just completed an important email that required careful thought and effort, or you’ve finally finished a career development book you’ve been meaning to read. Each of these moments deserves recognition. Think of a reward that resonates with you. It might be something as simple as indulging in a favourite snack, taking an energising break for a walk, watching a few delightful animal videos online, or connecting with a friend or family member for a quick chat. Notice that many of the rewards I suggest don't have to be extravagant or costly. Research, including one study published in the journal Academy of Management Learning and Education, suggests that smaller rewards may actually be more effective than larger ones. Small gestures, like checking the latest scores for your favourite sports team, can act as motivational incentives, while larger rewards—like buying an extravagant item—may backfire and reduce motivation and performance. Motivation becomes increasingly effective when it is tailored specifically to you. Having something enjoyable to anticipate while working on a project makes it easier to stick to your tasks or even to initiate them in the first place. Thus, by adopting these rewarding habits, you'll find yourself more capable of persevering through challenging projects, and you'll cultivate the resilience to finish what you start with enthusiasm. In summary, whether through cultivating intrinsic motivation or thoughtfully applying extrinsic rewards, the key is to find your unique rhythm. This will not only enhance your performance but also make your journey more enjoyable and satisfying.