What is the term for motivation that originates from within a person?

Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, arising from internal satisfaction or personal interest. It occurs when individuals are motivated by some inherent satisfaction or enjoyment derived from the activity itself, rather than by external rewards or pressures. For example, a person who plays a musical instrument because they find joy in playing is demonstrating intrinsic motivation.

This contrasts with other forms of motivation. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, involves engaging in an activity to earn external rewards or avoid negative consequences. While the term "extrinsic reward" references the tangible benefits or incentives that can motivate behavior, it is part of the broader category of extrinsic motivation, not the intrinsic nature of one's drive. The term "internal drive" is less commonly used in academic contexts and can lack the specificity and clarity that intrinsic motivation provides within psychology and business studies. Thus, recognizing intrinsic motivation is crucial for understanding personal engagement and satisfaction in various activities, particularly in business contexts where employee motivation and job satisfaction are essential.