Do we sometimes struggle to do the things we want, even when we know they matter?
Sometimes it feels like I’m forcing myself to do things that are good for me, while other activities, like video games, feel enjoyable every single time. That contrast made me wonder why this happens.
Well, I couldn’t answer this question on my own, so I googled it up and came across a simple explanation: there are two types of motivation, intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within. It is driven by curiosity, personal interest, or Satisfaction. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, comes from external rewards like money, recognition, or pressure from others.
The key difference is that intrinsic motivation tends to last longer and feels more satisfying, while extrinsic motivation is often short-lived. I can relate to this when I play video games competitively, It has never felt like a chore, even though it can be just as mentally tiring as something like multitasking.
The common solution to this is we mix extrinsic and intrinsic at the same time. For example, you can play music while doing your boring office work, or like in my case, take small breaks to play a few matches.
This search resulted in my question being answered to some extent , but I still have a lingering idea: what if even after mixing your intrinsic and extrinsic motives, doing work still feels difficult? Your music playlist or your short video game breaks don’t work anymore? I’m sure this is a reality for many, as it was for me.
Thankfully, I think I have the answer to that. I think the best way to solve this dilemma is to change the scene completely. By that, I don’t mean stop what you’re doing and do nothing, or only do your intrinsic activities (I have tested this, it doesn’t work), but do something very different from what you need to do. Take yourself on a run, invite friends
to hang out together, go swimming, learn a new craft, literally anything.
The trick here is that you can’t do this for one day or two; it has to be over multiple days or weeks if you have the time. Otherwise, it won’t work. Basically, take yourself on a vacation.
This draws my attention to how important vacations are, and how many people really think of them as a waste of time toward their end goal, so they might work through them and end up being burnt out.
taking time off is as important to your long-term objectives as the active work that leads you to that goal.
Basically, don’t skip your off days. They are good for you and for your career.