Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic Motivation

A woman holds a red star-shaped object over one eye, with colorful abstract shapes and a small figure in a box in the background.
Play isn’t frivolous — and by denying playful impulses, you could be holding yourself back.
Jono Hey smiling outdoors with doodle art of a person and a star overlaid on the image.
Jono Hey — whose sketches have been shared by the likes of Bill Gates and Steven Bartlett — draws some of his most valued leadership insights.
A sculpture depicts a human head with the top open like a birdcage. A lone white feather, symbolizing lost motivation, lies on the ground outside the cage on a blue background.
Big Think recently spoke with behavioral scientist and author Katy Milkman about what really motivates us and steers our behavior.
A group of people hugging in front of a secret camera.
Intrinsic motivation cannot be imposed on a team — but you can provide the right culture for it to flourish.
A child standing in front of a wall of jellyfish.
Despite a reputation for catastrophe and cat killings, curiosity is a beneficial drive that improves our lives and well-being.
Why does creative flow feel so good?
Flow occurs when a task’s challenge is balanced with one’s skill.
A child showing their drawing to the camera
A professor of educational psychology explains what and what not to do.