In the cover story for this issue, I attempt to quash the myth that cash is the best motivator. However, the article still focuses on extrinsic rewards. What about intrinsic motivation?
Intrinsic motivation is the natural, inherent drive to seek out challenges that relate to cognitive and social development. It is
not nirvana, as Daniel Pink claims in his book “Drive.” His deconstruction of self-determination theory as an “intrinsic is the only way” story is wrong. It’s not that simple and we need both.
Extrinsic can be the spark to light the intrinsic fuse. Marathon runners are often cited for their intrinsic motivation, but even runners like recognition at the end of 26.2 grueling miles. The Twin Cities Marathon saw 58 degrees and constant rain this year. Intrinsic may have gotten runners through training, but many would have ditched it if it weren’t for the T-shirt and medal at the finish line.
For me, it’s music: writing, recording and performing music. In 2016, music cost me $11,000 more than I earned. (I’ll lose less this year.) Anglers could easily spend $11,000 on fishing permits, upgrades to gear, new clothing, transportation, lodging, beer, etc. I argue that my passion is as legitimate as the angler’s and it comes in three parts.
Part 1: Write a good song
I started writing at age 13. I went to school on songwriting by listening to great songwriters like Chopin, Sergio Mendez, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Cole Porter, Stephen Stills. They were my teachers, and I was a slow but determined student. My intrinsic motivation built a subconscious song-writing machine in my brain, and it is frequently working on the next song with the persistence of a drippy faucet.
Then I went to school on songwriting in workshops. Coaching from good songwriters, regardless of their success, has been invaluable. I paid attention and my songs got better. I’ve even collaborated to write a song in a tiny Nashville apartment on a rainy day in April. That was cool. But writing isn’t enough.
Part 2: Record it
If I am going to “put myself out there,” I need to record the songs. I’ve recorded six CDs since 1999, some in my basement. As the songs improved, so did the recording studios. It’s important to respect the work. It may sound like ego, but intrinsic motivation is passion and passion is connected to ego. I love the studio for its own creative rewards and you can find my recordings on iTunes or Spotify.
Part 3: Perform it.
I’ve performed a lot: living rooms, churches, hotels, bars, street corners, skyways, concert halls, showcases and open mics. I’ve performed in Spain, Portugal, Ireland…I’ve toured the U.S. I’ve traveled to Nashville to play the coveted Bluebird Café. A good song that is received well is the ultimate hug and I love it.
Can intrinsic motivation have goals?
People ask me if I want to write a hit song. Hell yes! I keep trying, but that’s not my goal. My goal is to write a good song, one that is “thoroughly written,” as songwriter David Wilcox says.
I keep following my passion. Intrinsic motivation is the drive to stay on the journey, not the end. I encourage you to bring your intrinsic motivation forward in your life.
Final note: In the wake of Tom Petty’s recent passing, it’s fitting that he closes. During his last recorded interview, with Los Angeles Times writer Randy Lewis just a few days before he died of cardiac arrest, Petty spoke to the power of intrinsic motivation: “I was born with it, I just love it…I’d be doing it anyway.” That’s intrinsic motivation. That’s the heart of reward.
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