Why Intrinsic Motivation Is So Powerful (And How To Develop It)
Last week, we announced our self-love movement #ImDoingItForMe, where over the next 6 weeks we’ll be challenging you to focus on your nutritional, emotional, and physical health by building healthy habits and reaching weekly goals, so you can live happier and healthier.
Today marks the start of week 1 and it’s all about movement! We talked a little bit last week about why finding your intrinsic (or internal) motivation is super important if you want to build healthy habits that last, so let’s dive a bit deeper into that today.
Plus, we’re sharing some tips on just how to close your Movement Ring in the Baby2Body app and an exclusive sneak peek of our newest premium yoga content!
What is Intrinsic Motivation?
There are two types of motivation; intrinsic and extrinsic.
Extrinsic motivation means being motivated by external factors, such as a reward like a good grade or positive feedback.
Intrinsic motivation means being motivated by internal factors, like finding something fulfilling, enjoyable, or meaningful.
During this challenge, we want to focus on our intrinsic motivators.
Why is intrinsic motivation better than extrinsic motivation?
Well, to put it simply extrinsic (or external) motivation doesn’t last. External motivators can be great to set someone on the right path to achieve short-term goals, but what happens when the reward has been given? There’s little incentive to carry on with the practices you learned whilst working towards your goal.
We want to build healthy habits that last and studies show that intrinsic motivation can increase persistence, improve psychological wellbeing, and enhance overall performance.
How do you discover and develop your intrinsic motivation?
Let’s start by thinking about why you might want to build healthy habits and what change they will have in your life.
You might want to improve your mental health or your physical health; you might be doing it for your growing bump, for your baby, or for your future family if you are TTC. Maybe you just want to improve your stamina, increase your ‘me time’, or sleep better at the end of the day. Whatever it is remind yourself of it each time you work towards your goals and every time you feel like the challenge is getting difficult.
Think about why your goals are important to you and fill in the blanks with your intrinsic motivators…
I'm Doing It For ______
I'm Doing It For ______
I'm Doing It For ______
#ImDoingItForMe
Week 1: Movement
We’re kicking off our self-love movement #ImDoingItForMe by focusing on our physical health and closing that Movement Ring in the Baby2Body app.
How do I close my movement ring?
Ok, so you’ve started to discover your motivation for this challenge, now to close your movement ring, complete any workouts in the in-app Fitness Studio! Every routine you finish, whether it’s cardio, yoga, or even dance, will earn you points towards your goal.
If you are postpartum and haven’t had exercise clearance yet, don’t worry. Trying some gentle exercises, meditation, or stretches from your Fitness Plan will close that Movement Ring.
Find your passion to pair with your intrinsic motivation
We mentioned before that an intrinsic motivator can be doing something because it brings you enjoyment or fulfillment. So the second step to developing and maintaining intrinsic motivation is pairing up your motivations with your passions.
Spend time doing activities in the Fitness Studio that you love and find enjoyable! If you don’t always like working out, then try discovering something new or fresh so you can build healthy habits you enjoy; that’s one of the keys to making them last.
Sneak peek of our premium Fitness Studio content
Ok, you’ve waited long enough. Here’s a sneak peek at our new series of awesome yoga flows by prenatal yoga expert Tammy Mittell, that will count towards your Movement goal this week!
Want to try Graceful Flow Yoga or see some more from Tammy and our team of global experts? Download Baby2Body today and get your first 7 days of premium for free.
Want to know more about getting motivated? Have questions about our self-love movement? Let us know in the comments!