THE THOUGHT

I started scribbling as soon as I could hold a pencil. According to my parents, I was two years old when I discovered my uncle’s typewriter, and stories began flowing effortlessly from mind to paper. Even now, I vividly remember the scent of mechanical grease and ink, the slightly faded keys, and the impossible heaviness of that machine.

Somewhere in high school, I stopped writing. Why is a story for another day. But recently, I've found myself returning to it—and suddenly, unmistakably, the fulfillment returned, unchanged by the years.

Ballet was different. It never came naturally. Each lesson was an uphill battle, sustained mostly by discipline, expectation, and occasional praise. I pushed forward not because dancing felt good, but because I believed it should feel good.

Why do some activities effortlessly draw us in—no rewards required—while others refuse to resonate? What happens when applause no longer fills us? What moves us from within?

THE DEEP DIVE

Inside Out: The Two Sides of Motivation

Psychologists—and humans in general—have long been fascinated by motivation: why do some tasks energize us, while others exhaust us? To explore this puzzle, they've identified two distinct categories: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

Intrinsic motivation describes activities we find inherently rewarding. Writing because we love words. Painting purely for the joy of creating. Solving puzzles simply for the satisfaction they bring. These tasks resonate deeply with our values, interests, or identity, making effort feel natural and sustainable.

Extrinsic motivation, by contrast, relies on external incentives—status, money, social approval. Although initially compelling, these motivators rarely lead to lasting satisfaction. Instead, they keep us chasing temporary fulfillment that fades almost as quickly as it's earned.

Consider two runners. One runs every morning purely because it feels good—rain or shine, recognition irrelevant. The other runs primarily for fitness milestones or social validation. Without praise, motivation quickly fades. Same activity, vastly different experiences. The difference lies in internal fulfillment versus external reward.

Society frequently emphasizes extrinsic motivators: grades, titles, wealth. Yet research consistently shows intrinsic motivation leads to greater creativity, persistence, and personal fulfillment. The real challenge is recognizing when we're driven by genuine passion and when we're simply chasing hollow rewards.

THE PRACTICE

Noticing What Drives Us

After reflecting on why writing returned effortlessly after so many years, I'm curious to explore more deeply what moves me from within. I've decided to try a small experiment.

For one week, I'll pay close attention to the activities I naturally gravitate toward, tasks that feel easy and engaging, independent of rewards. I'll note moments when I feel energized or deeply absorbed, much like those early days at my uncle's typewriter.

What would we choose to do if no one were watching? If the strongest motivation truly comes from within—fostered by autonomy, mastery, and purpose—perhaps reconnecting with our earliest, simplest joys can lead to a richer life.

If you decide to join me, consider this your invitation. Let's uncover the difference between doing something because we genuinely want to and doing it simply because it's expected. Perhaps, as with writing, the difference isn't in what we pursue, but in why we pursue it.