INTERNAL CAPABILITY 7: INTRINSIC MOTIVATION
Being self-motivated towards health
Overview
Agency 1: Intrinsic motivation to achieve desirable health outcomes
What is it?
The internal capability of intrinsic motivation refers to someone's personal motivation to achieve health and implement health-seeking behaviors. It is the extent to which motivation for current or future health-promoting behavior is internally motivated. Internal motivation would be from a sense of personal responsibility and personal assessment, whereas external motivation would be from others' mandates, rewards, requirements, or peer pressure.
Why is it important?
Intrinsic motivation is an important health capability because we are all free to make our own choices. It is impossible for external forces, be it family, healthcare providers, or the government, to micromanage all of our behaviors. As such, intrinsic motivation plays a major role in ensuring we take continuous, sustained, genuine action towards achieving healthy outcomes.
What does it look like?
Having a strong capability of intrinsic motivation could be shown through one holding oneself accountable to high standards of health-seeking behavior and daily habits, and personally wanting to achieve health. It may include proactively and continually re-assessing one's health status and taking personal responsibility to improve one's health. Related to one's health values and goals, it may be exemplified by prioritizing health-seeking actions in one's personal life.
How do I do it?
Some ways to increase your internal motivation may include reflecting on your health values and goals, and assessing how personal responsibility plays a role in your current and future health status. Think about why health is a priority for you personally – what it means for your future, and what it would be like to reach your full health potential!
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