Sometimes your motivations are clear and predictable. At other times, you are motivated by deeper forces. To understand your motivations at a deeper level, examine two categories of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic motivations have their origins within you, and are aligned with your True North
Extrinsic motivations have their origins in the external world
Extrinsic motivations are not necessarily bad. Making money, holding power, and enjoying status and influence can be good things and bring joy to your life. What's wrong with relying entirely on extrinsic motivations? Many people find that in spite of having material needs fulfilled, there is still a nagging feeling that work lacks meaning. It is intrinsic motivations that give a deeper sense of meaning and purpose to life.
The purpose of the following exercises is to help you identify the motivations in your life that give you energy and persistence by classifying them as intrinsic and extrinsic. First, discuss your rank order of your extrinsic and intrinsic motivations. Then, read the paragraph that follows and answer the question that follows.
Table 1: Extrinsic Motivations

Table 2: Intrinsic Motivations

Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations are powerful resources for leaders. It is natural for humans to seek recognition and reward, just as it is natural for humans to search for meaning and connection with others. If you try to replace crucial intrinsic motivators with extrinsic ones, you can become unmotivated, dissatisfied, and even bitter. On the other hand, if you deny your need for certain extrinsic motivations, always serving the greater good rather than your own interests, you can become resentful of others' successes, vulnerable to being exploited, and anxious about your financial security. Ultimately, you must find a healthy balance.
Based on your rankings and discussion of your intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, please answer the following question: What steps can you take to achieve a healthy balance between your intrinsic and extrinsic motivations?

Extrinsic Motivations My Extrinsic Motivations Rank Category Monetary compensation Having power Having a title Public recognition Social status Winning over others Association with prestigious institutions Other Intrinsic Motivations Category My Intrinsic Motivations Rank Personal growth and development Doing a good job Helping others Leading and organizing others Being with people I care about Finding meaning from my efforts Being true to my beliefs Making a difference in the world Influencing others Other