via lululemon lab
Extrinsic Versus Intrinsic Motivation
Next time you are on a run do some deep thinking. Dig deep through your abandoned thoughts, plunge into dark places and fuzzy memories and be completely honest with yourself. Because here is where the truth lies. Where the roads may diverge from what you believe, where agendas are exposed, iPods are turned up or down or off, where we dig deep inside and ask ourselves what motivates us. What really really motivates us to exercise.
The answer may lie in how you categorize your motivation; intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external). Recognize who you are and know that with time, patience and willpower, the extrinsic runner can become an intrinsic soul runner too.
EXTRINSIC
The extrinsic runner seeks external validation and reward for her accomplishments. She enters a race seeking prestige, material gain, the opportunity to beat other people or to brag. When an extrinsic runner hits an obstacle during training or a race they may not have the internal motivation to keep going and may give up.
INTRINSIC
Intrisically motivatived runners hit the pavement for themselves, for the joy of running and can usually sustain themselves farther through the ups and downs of a race better than the extrinsic runner can. They let their internal goals drive them towards succcess and tend to hold themselves accountable for everything. The intrinsically motivated runner has a resillence deep inside them that helps them overcome obstacles or arise in the pre-dawn for a run.
If you need a little help becoming an intrinsic runner, find more tips here:
Developing Intrinsic Motivation, Running Times
Maintaining Your Mind Motor, Running Times
