ARGO RANNAMETS

In a world filled with external rewards and incentives, we often overlook the most powerful drivers that make us act, dream and achieve — our internal motivation. This intrinsic drive can be understood through three vital cornerstones: Purpose, Mastery and Autonomy. These are not merely abstract concepts but actionable ideas that can be harnessed to unlock the highest levels of performance, satisfaction and creativity in all aspects of life. Let’s explore these cornerstones one by one.

Purpose: The Compass of Our Lives and Catalyst for Positive Change

Purpose is what gives our life meaning. It’s the „why“ behind our actions. When we align our actions with a greater purpose, we engage with our tasks more profoundly, find fulfillment and become more resilient in the face of adversity.

In the 21st century, people aren’t only working for personal gain. More and more individuals want to make the world a bit better. This is represented as purpose, prioritizing purpose maximization over profit maximization.

We often find ourselves asking, “Am I making a difference in the world?” We should distinguish the process of work from the purpose of work. When we become too focused on the process, we end up looking at our work as through a microscope, consumed by the nitty-gritty and losing sight of the larger picture.

Instead, we should approach work with a wider view, allowing ourselves to see our contribution from a broader perspective. By taking a step back from our daily routine, we can reconnect with the reasons we chose to do what we do in the first place.

There are two layers to purpose. One is related to the question, “Am I making a difference in the world?” This is closely tied to the mission of the organization one is working for. It revolves around why the organization exists, what kind of solutions it provides or what kind of problems it solves.

The second layer is more personal and specific, relating to an individual’s role within the organization. Questions like “How do I add value to the organization?” or “What kind of value am I adding to my coworkers?” or “What is the meaning of my role?” help us decipher this layer.

Both of these layers together create a very strong cornerstone for intrinsic motivation. A purpose-driven life does not necessarily have to involve grand gestures or revolutionary changes. It could be as simple as helping others or contributing to a cause you believe in.

Finding purpose requires reflection and self-awareness. Ask yourself, “What am I passionate about? What drives me? What am I willing to suffer for?” The answers to these questions will help you navigate your path with conviction. Both the personal and organizational layers of purpose empower us to navigate our lives with a strong sense of direction and fulfillment.

This understanding of purpose serves as the foundation of the three cornerstones of intrinsic motivation, setting the stage for the development of Mastery and Autonomy, further enhancing our intrinsic drive to grow, contribute and thrive.

Mastery: The Path of Continuous Improvement

Mastery is a commitment to excellence, continuous learning and incremental improvement. It’s about dedicating oneself to a craft or skill, engaging in deliberate practice and taking pleasure in the journey of growth. Mastery is a deeply personal journey, where the reward is not just the result but the process itself.

Take the seemingly mundane task of washing dishes at a restaurant. A person pursuing mastery in this role doesn’t just aim to get the dishes clean. They focus on improving efficiency, minimizing water usage, enhancing the organization of utensils for quicker access and continually seeking feedback to better their technique. Over time, these small improvements lead to significant enhancements in productivity and job satisfaction.

It’s crucial to understand that mastery is not about being the best or getting higher on the career ladder; it’s about being better than you were yesterday. Becoming better and learning is our natural desire, a drive that’s been with us since birth.

Mastery can be pursued in any role, at any level. The path to mastery lies in recognizing opportunities for growth, setting clear and achievable goals and engaging in deliberate practice. By approaching our work with a mindset focused on continuous improvement, we can turn even the most routine tasks into opportunities for personal and professional growth.

It’s these incremental improvements that lead to excellence and fulfillment, making mastery a vital cornerstone in our quest for a meaningful and motivated life. This lifelong commitment to learning and growing requires patience, persistence and humility, reflecting a pursuit that is at once both universal and profoundly individual.

Autonomy: The Engine of Employee Empowerment

Autonomy in the workplace is not just a preference; it’s a necessity for creativity, engagement and meaningful contribution. At its core, autonomy is about the freedom to make choices and the ability to act on those choices. Here’s how it plays a vital role in a work environment.

Decision making is an essential part of our work lives. It’s always about choosing between alternatives and those choices can only be made when there is the freedom to choose, i.e. autonomy. Without autonomy, decision-making becomes a top-down process, limiting the potential for innovation and adaptation. Autonomy empowers individuals to evaluate options, consider different perspectives and make informed decisions that align with the goals and values of the organization.

When there is no autonomy at work, managers tend to take over, essentially doing all the work themselves. This leaves no room for employees to add value or exercise their creativity and expertise. If managers are deciding everything, they are micromanaging. Micromanagement stifles creativity, lowers morale and inhibits growth. It transforms employees into passive followers rather than active contributors, creating a work environment where people feel undervalued and disengaged. Sooner or later people start thinking about leaving.

Autonomy fosters a culture of trust. When managers entrust employees with the freedom to make decisions, take risks and learn from their experiences, they are communicating confidence in their abilities. This trust builds mutual respect and creates an environment where people feel inspired to contribute their best efforts.

Autonomy is not about a lack of structure or accountability; it’s about providing the space for individuals to think, act and take ownership of their work. It’s about recognizing that employees are capable, competent and driven to add value when given the opportunity to do so.

By promoting autonomy, organizations can cultivate a vibrant and dynamic workplace where people are empowered to make decisions, contribute meaningfully and grow both personally and professionally. Autonomy is more than a nice-to-have; it’s a foundational element of a healthy work culture and a vital cornerstone in our quest for fulfillment and motivation at work.

Bringing it All Together

These three cornerstones — Purpose, Mastery and Autonomy — work in harmony to fuel our inner drive. Purpose acts as the compass of our lives, providing direction and connecting us to a larger mission. Mastery enriches the journey, allowing us to engage with our work more profoundly, take pleasure in continuous improvement and tap into our natural desire to learn. Autonomy gives us the freedom to explore, create and make decisions, fostering creativity and trust within the workplace.

Embracing these principles requires conscious effort, self-reflection and a commitment to personal and professional growth. But the rewards are immense. By aligning our work and personal lives with these cornerstones, we unlock a level of motivation that not only helps us achieve our goals but also enriches our lives with meaning, joy and fulfillment.

We no longer have to rely on external rewards or societal pressures. Our motivation comes from within, fueled by a deeper understanding of ourselves, our roles, our contributions and our place in the world.

To start your journey towards a life filled with internal motivation, begin by asking yourself: What is my purpose? How can I pursue mastery in something I love? Where can I exercise autonomy in my life and work?

The answers to these questions hold the key to a life driven by passion, excellence and true fulfillment. In a world that often feels out of control, these three cornerstones help us regain agency, avoid micromanagement and live a life that resonates with our true selves.



Source of inspiration: Pink, Daniel H. (2018). Drive: the surprising truth about what motivates us.