Life Skills and Leadership Manual - Peace Corps

Life Skills & Leadership: Unit 3, Session 4: Setting Priorities, Managing Time | Page 68 of 68

To learn more about motivation, begin with one of these books:

Self-Determination Theory: An Approach to Human Motivation and Personality. Edward Deci and

Richard Ryan. http://www.selfdeterminationtheory.org/ (accessed January 10, 2013). This site

promotes a theory of motivation that focuses on “our natural or intrinsic tendencies to behave in

effective and healthy ways.” Resources and information are provided that help readers apply self-

determination motivation theory to areas as diverse as education, sports and exercise, relationships,

goals, organizations, and the environment.

Why We Do What We Do, by Edward L. Deci, Penguin Books, New York, 1995, ISBN: 0 14 02.5526 5.

Deci talks about the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (referred to in this session as

inside and outside motivation). He lists intrinsic motivators as autonomy, belonging, and competence,

and he talks about how intrinsic motivation can be more powerful than extrinsic motivation. Deci

describes the problems that can result when one only relies upon extrinsic motivators.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, by Daniel H. Pink, Riverhead Books, New York,

2009, ISBN: 978- 1 - 59448 - 884 - 9. Pink applies Deci’s theory of self-motivation to the workplace,

classroom, and home setting. He offers easily understood explanations and examples of both the

problems of extrinsic motivation and the promises of intrinsic motivation. Pink also provides tips and

suggestions, whether you wish to motivate others or yourself.