Intrinsic balance is a key ingredient to inner peace and fulfillment. What exactly is intrinsic balance? Consider Webster's definition of intrinsic: belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing- the intrinsic worth of a gem, the intrinsic brightness of a star; intrinsic applies to what is contained in or derived from its essential nature. Next, consider an opposing definition for extrinsic: external to a thing, its essential nature or its original character; extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question-it is not contained in or derived from its essential nature.
In psychological terms, extrinsic variables encompass entities outside the realm of the self. Because extrinsic variables are not internally generated or connected to a person's deepest core, they can be highly seductive and enticing while the sense of motivation, validation and purpose derived from them is often superficial and short lived. Alternatively, intrinsic forces are comprised of the heart, soul and spirit- they define the essence of our internal makeup and include our genuine values, beliefs, convictions and passions. Because they are generated from within, intrinsic forces apply to the facets of our life that lie directly within our sphere of influence. For instance, we cannot control what others think about us, but we can certainly control how we feel about ourselves. External reinforcement from
colleagues, peers, family and friends sure feels good, but the emotional high we experience from external validation is usually short lived. Conversely, high self esteem and genuine self acceptance feel great, and the emotional high derived from them lasts a lifetime.
The majority of patients I see in my practice appear to be struggling with a profound sense of imbalance between intrinsic and extrinsic variables. For example, people who are preoccupied with body image and weight related concerns tends to be extrinsically motivated to lose weight with a focus on external rewards (positive social feedback, increased attention from the opposite sex) rather than internal rewards (improved health, increased energy and a sense of aliveness). In order for a cognitive shift to occur tipping the scales in favor of intrinsic motivators, it is necessary to begin a new way of life, understand the connection between mind and body, and strive for a sense of inner peace, balance and self acceptance. For the person who is intrinsically motivated to lose weight, diet and exercise are a way of life and not a means to an end. The cognitive shift towards intrinsic variables would be further facilitated through an exploration of the underlying factors behind weight gain (e.g., anxiety, loneliness, boredom depression) with positive steps taken to confront the emotional struggle.
The chronic workaholic who uses power, success and money to cope with a profound sense of incompetence, worthlessness and inadequacy is extrinsically motivated while the passionate philanthropist who derives joy and fulfillment through worthy causes is intrinsically motivated. The marathon runner who relies on vigorous exercise to cope with a deep fear of social alienation brought on by weight gain is extrinsically motivated, while the marathon runner who experiences a heightened state of consciousness, well being and enlightenment during the race is intrinsically motivated. The medical student who is following in his father's footsteps and craving his approval through the pursuit of medicine is extrinsically motivated, while the medical student who is following a lifelong dream of helping ailing children in third world countries is intrinsically motivated.
The best barometer for measuring intrinsic balance is the pattern of your daily moods. Where do you fall on the intrinsic/extrinsic spectrum? Are chronically angry, frustrated, irritable or sad? Do you suffer with anxiety, depression, feeling empty inside or frequent mood swings? Are you typically motivated by external variables (e.g., social approval, materialism and competition) as opposed to internal variables (e.g., passion, intuition and purpose) If you feel that you are primarily motivated by external factors, consistently seeking a sense of worthiness, approval and validation from sources outside of yourself, chances are you will benefit from a cognitive shift towards intrinsic motivation. Imagine the sense of joy and freedom that comes from living your life in alignment with your deepest passions, beliefs, values and convictions. It is never too late to undergo a shift and look within.
In psychological terms, extrinsic variables encompass entities outside the realm of the self. Because extrinsic variables are not internally generated or connected to a person's deepest core, they can be highly seductive and enticing while the sense of motivation, validation and purpose derived from them is often superficial and short lived. Alternatively, intrinsic forces are comprised of the heart, soul and spirit- they define the essence of our internal makeup and include our genuine values, beliefs, convictions and passions. Because they are generated from within, intrinsic forces apply to the facets of our life that lie directly within our sphere of influence. For instance, we cannot control what others think about us, but we can certainly control how we feel about ourselves. External reinforcement from
colleagues, peers, family and friends sure feels good, but the emotional high we experience from external validation is usually short lived. Conversely, high self esteem and genuine self acceptance feel great, and the emotional high derived from them lasts a lifetime.
The majority of patients I see in my practice appear to be struggling with a profound sense of imbalance between intrinsic and extrinsic variables. For example, people who are preoccupied with body image and weight related concerns tends to be extrinsically motivated to lose weight with a focus on external rewards (positive social feedback, increased attention from the opposite sex) rather than internal rewards (improved health, increased energy and a sense of aliveness). In order for a cognitive shift to occur tipping the scales in favor of intrinsic motivators, it is necessary to begin a new way of life, understand the connection between mind and body, and strive for a sense of inner peace, balance and self acceptance. For the person who is intrinsically motivated to lose weight, diet and exercise are a way of life and not a means to an end. The cognitive shift towards intrinsic variables would be further facilitated through an exploration of the underlying factors behind weight gain (e.g., anxiety, loneliness, boredom depression) with positive steps taken to confront the emotional struggle.
The chronic workaholic who uses power, success and money to cope with a profound sense of incompetence, worthlessness and inadequacy is extrinsically motivated while the passionate philanthropist who derives joy and fulfillment through worthy causes is intrinsically motivated. The marathon runner who relies on vigorous exercise to cope with a deep fear of social alienation brought on by weight gain is extrinsically motivated, while the marathon runner who experiences a heightened state of consciousness, well being and enlightenment during the race is intrinsically motivated. The medical student who is following in his father's footsteps and craving his approval through the pursuit of medicine is extrinsically motivated, while the medical student who is following a lifelong dream of helping ailing children in third world countries is intrinsically motivated.
The best barometer for measuring intrinsic balance is the pattern of your daily moods. Where do you fall on the intrinsic/extrinsic spectrum? Are chronically angry, frustrated, irritable or sad? Do you suffer with anxiety, depression, feeling empty inside or frequent mood swings? Are you typically motivated by external variables (e.g., social approval, materialism and competition) as opposed to internal variables (e.g., passion, intuition and purpose) If you feel that you are primarily motivated by external factors, consistently seeking a sense of worthiness, approval and validation from sources outside of yourself, chances are you will benefit from a cognitive shift towards intrinsic motivation. Imagine the sense of joy and freedom that comes from living your life in alignment with your deepest passions, beliefs, values and convictions. It is never too late to undergo a shift and look within.
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