What difference does it make whether you are inner or outer directed? Does how you are motivated really matter as long as you get the job done? Actually, if you are one of those individuals who has good intentions, but often doesn’t follow through; the next few minutes could make a significant difference in helping you understand how the way in which you are motivated can impact your life’s goals.
Although no individual is exclusively motivated by either external or internal forces, almost everyone can readily identify with one or the other. Inner directed individuals are those who seem to be able to exercise a considerable amount of self-discipline and can usually be depended upon to “get the job done,” without external prodding. In contrast, those who are primarily outer directed need someone around them either cheering them on, or applying some form of incentive to inspire and stimulate them to stay the course and achieve their personal best.
The Myer’s Briggs Personality Test, which is partially based on Carl Jung’s theory of personality, shows the relationship that exists between personality type and motivation. It identifies sixteen different personality profiles based upon dissimilar configurations of four sets of preferences that describe how an individual processes in the world around him. One of those sets is the “Introversion-Extroversion” trait. This preference was first described in Jung’s theory which postulates that all individuals fit into one of these two personality types with respect to how they perceive the world around them. They either immerse themselves in their environment, or withdraw from it, as a way of approaching task orientation and energy maintenance.
Internal motivation is an attribute of the introverted personality. An introvert spends inordinate amounts of time processing the world around him through his own emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. He frequently thinks about how his environment impacts his existence. As a result, when he is enthusiastic about a life task, he is able to discipline himself for greater periods of time for the purposes of reflection and problem solving. This process of inner reflection energizes him and propels him forward toward new ways of thinking, believing, and behaving.
In essence, an introvert is motivated by his own self-talk. Introverts work well independently, and usually prefer to work alone. Internally motivated individuals are frequently insightful and can more easily see the association between cause and effect. On the down side, an introvert is more susceptible to mood swings and depression because he spends so much time reflecting upon the significance of his life.
The extroverted personality finds it difficult to spend much time in solitude. He is energized by those around him and even his own ideas are fueled by interactions with other people. An extrovert can become highly motivated toward an outcome during a conference, brainstorming session, or after hearing a motivational speaker. Without direction and the ongoing support of others however, his motivation will wane and may even dissipate. An extrovert performs best when he is cheered on the sidelines by a group of peers or subordinates who believe in his potential and will challenge him to press on toward greater levels of achievement. An externally motivated person does not, as a general rule, work well independently, but needs consistent support and external reinforcement.
The most highly successful externally motivated individuals are those who have learned to police their own behaviors by setting personal deadlines, employing goal-oriented techniques, and rewarding themselves for accomplishments. Externally motivated individuals fall prey more easily to performance related behavior motivated out of a desire for approval and/or acceptance. They are also known for their “hair-brain” ideas that come in a moment of passion, but are never developed beyond their inception.
In the field of psychology, the mechanism by which an individual is externally or internally motivated is called, his “locus of control.” Studies have shown that an individual who has an internal locus of control is more likely to feel that he have power over the outcomes of his life. This will be reflected in the manner in which he attributes the success of a life task to his own efficacy in a given situation. Conversely, if an individual with internal locus of control has a poor self-image or poor ego-strength, he may end up being unsuccessful in his attempts to demonstrate self-discipline and/or consistent follow-through. When an externally motivated individual is goaded to perform, studies show that negative external motivation produces little lasting change.
Externally motivated individuals are often seen as passionate and fun to be around. They shine in social situations and can overshadow an introvert, causing him to feel alone or rejected. An extrovert quickly becomes the center of attention in a gathering and is considered the “life” of the party. But when it’s time to be serious, he can be perceived as shallow and undisciplined, lacking in the focus needed to make responsible decisions.
Those who are internally motivated are sometimes perceived as being standoffish or aloof, when in reality, they experience discomfort in social contexts involving gregarious personalities. They will engage nicely one-on-one or in a small group of three, but will avoid crowds and “meaningless chatter.” However, an introvert is a desirable confidant, and is often sought out for advice and emotional support.
Inner directed or outer directed? Internally or externally motivated? Both types of individuals experience life through their own preferences. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. These seemingly opposite personality traits can often complement each other in a relationship where two friends learn to draw on each other’s strengths and minimize each other’s weaknesses.
What’s really important isn’t which type of motivation you respond best to, but how you learn, through life’s experiences, to live up to your full potential, while finding successful ways to overcome your deficits. If you are externally motivated, perhaps you need to learn how to motivate yourself through setting goals designed to inspire you to achieve your personal best. If you are primarily an introvert, it’s probably time for you to learn the value of not always taking yourself so seriously.
