Lecture Notes: Motivation and Action

Overview

• Discussion on intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation.
• Exploring why some people are doers while others are thinkers.

Key Points

• Extrinsic Motivation: Action prompted by external circumstances (deadlines, tests, projects).
• Intrinsic Motivation: Self-driven motivation; more disciplined and focused individuals.
• Question raised: Are doers fundamentally different from thinkers?

Personal Reflection

• Speaker shares personal experiences transitioning from a thinker to a doer.
• Observations of Olympic athletes and their intrinsic motivation.

Four Steps to Transition from Thinker to Doer

Step 1: Triggered Situational Interest

• Curiosity initiated by environmental factors (e.g., seeing someone play a game).
• Negative emotions often accompany curiosity—self-doubt and insecurity.

Step 2: Continued Exposure

• Instead of overcoming negative emotions, focus on continued exposure to the interest.
• Engaging with the subject matter and surrounding community fosters sustained interest.

Step 3: Merging Individual Interest

• Transitioning from external motivation to internal interest.
• Theory Crafting: Reflecting and creating internal strategies based on external engagement (e.g., planning gaming strategies).

Step 4: Well-Developed Individual Interest

• A stable, resilient interest developed through reflection and engagement.
• Recognition and appreciation of others’ contributions in the field.

Importance of Feedback

• Feedback becomes more beneficial as confidence grows.
• Early negative feedback can diminish motivation; it is crucial to build a strong foundation first.

Conclusion

• Transitioning from thinker to doer requires following these four steps.
• Intrinsic motivation can be cultivated through deliberate practice, reflection, and engagement with communities.
• Success and happiness often correlate across different life domains (career, relationships).

Final Thoughts

• Emphasizes the idea that motivation and skill can be developed like any other competency, such as cooking or gaming.