The Struggle of Waking Up Early

Waking up early in the morning often feels like a struggle. Why? Because for many of us, the motivation to rise early is driven by external factors—whether it’s the pursuit of monetary goals, the need to maintain an image of being active and hardworking, or simply meeting societal expectations. However, these external motivators can be fleeting and insufficient to sustain our efforts over time. Imagine a scenario where all our financial needs are met, and there is no pressure to wake up early. In such circumstances, would we still feel compelled to rise at dawn if there was no internal drive? Once our external desires are satisfied, the external pressure to wake up early might fade away.

However, if we genuinely believe that waking up early is beneficial for our health and overall well-being, we are more likely to continue doing so. This belief needs to come from within, rooted in an understanding of the personal benefits, such as improved mental clarity, enhanced productivity, and a sense of accomplishment. When our motivation stems from an internal conviction about the benefits, it becomes much stronger and more enduring.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

When we are not driven by external factors like worldly wishes or desires, it is the internal drive that motivates us. This is known as intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation keeps us moving even in adverse times and situations. For instance, a person who exercises because they enjoy the activity and the way it makes them feel is intrinsically motivated. They are likely to continue exercising regardless of external circumstances.

In contrast, extrinsic motivation is driven by factors outside ourselves. This can include achieving something for someone we love or fulfilling a worldly desire. While extrinsic motivation can be effective in the short term, it tends to fade when the external conditions change. For example, if a person exercises solely to impress someone else, their motivation may diminish once the need to impress is no longer there. Once the desire is satisfied or the person we wanted to impress is no longer in the picture, the motivation diminishes.

The Impact of Physical and Emotional Pain

Physical punishments and tortures, which are related to the world around us, also lose their effect over time. When the punishment is no longer present, or we become desensitised to it, we may stop doing the thing that warranted the punishment. However, emotional pain can have a more lasting impact. This does not mean that we should inflict emotional pain to motivate someone, but it highlights the importance of internal motivation. Emotional pain can linger and influence our behaviour for a long time, potentially leading to changes in our actions that persist even in the absence of external pressures.

For example, a person who has experienced the emotional pain of failure might be motivated to work harder and achieve their goals, driven by a desire to avoid that pain in the future. This intrinsic motivation can be more powerful and enduring than any external punishment or reward.

Examples

An addict who wants to overcome their addiction needs intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic factors, such as pressure from family or the threat of losing a job, might initially drive the person to seek help. However, these external motivations will eventually lose their impact, and the person might relapse once the external pressure is removed. Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is about the person’s internal desire to change.

A typical example from my culture is telling an overweight person that they need to lose weight to get married. This is an extrinsic motivation that focuses on external validation rather than internal well-being. The person might start a weight loss journey to attract a better suitor, but what happens if that person is no longer there? Will they continue to take care of themselves? Without intrinsic motivation, the answer is likely no.

Instead, the motivation should come from within. The person should focus on the internal benefits of losing weight, such as feeling good about themselves, being healthier, and performing tasks more effectively. This intrinsic motivation is more sustainable. Even in the absence of external validation, the person will continue to take care of themselves because they value their health and well-being.

The Importance of Internal Motivation

In whatever we do in life, fostering intrinsic desires and motivations is essential for achieving lasting satisfaction and fulfilment. Intrinsic motivation refers to doing something because it is inherently rewarding, not because of external pressures or rewards. When we engage in activities that align with our internal values, passions, and interests, we find deeper satisfaction and a sense of purpose that external rewards simply cannot provide.

When we pursue goals and activities that resonate with our intrinsic values—such as creativity, personal growth, helping others, or simply the joy of learning—we experience a more profound sense of accomplishment and well-being. This is because our actions are in harmony with our authentic selves. The motivation to continue these activities is self-sustaining because it comes from within, rather than being dependent on external factors that can change or disappear.

For instance, a student who studies because they are passionate about the subject and enjoy learning is more likely to retain information and perform well, compared to a student who studies solely to achieve good grades or avoid punishment. The intrinsically motivated student will continue to pursue knowledge and develop skills even when there are no external rewards at stake.

Whether it’s waking up early, taking care of our health, or achieving personal goals, intrinsic motivation ensures that we stay committed and content, regardless of external circumstances. It is this internal drive that enables us to overcome obstacles, maintain our efforts over the long term, and ultimately achieve a greater sense of fulfilment and well-being. By nurturing our intrinsic motivations, we build a foundation for lasting success and happiness.

In essence, cultivating intrinsic motivation allows us to live more authentically and meaningfully, leading to a richer and more satisfying life experience. It shifts our focus from external achievements to the joy and fulfilment found in the process itself, ultimately fostering a deeper connection with our true selves and the world around us.