Motivation: How to Get It, How to Use It and How to Keep It by Author’s Name

A guide that feels profoundly personal yet universally applicable, unlocking the vast potential of human drive from within. This book doesn’t just offer a roadmap for personal and professional growth; it delves into the core of what propels us as individuals to do our best work, live fulfilling lives, and pursue excellence not for external rewards but for the inner satisfaction it brings.

What sets Falk apart is his deep understanding of motivation as a dynamic, evolving force. Rather than relying on the shallow appeal of rewards or recognition, he reveals how true motivation is cultivated through curiosity, mastery, and a sense of purpose. His insights are refreshing, cutting through typical productivity advice to touch on what genuinely inspires us to commit to goals, overcome challenges, and tap into an ongoing cycle of personal growth.

Through practical exercises and engaging anecdotes, Falk expertly guides readers on building habits and mindsets that anchor them in intrinsic motivation. His techniques aren’t just theoretical; they’re immediately actionable and rooted in a clear understanding of human psychology. Whether you’re looking to overcome procrastination, find more satisfaction in everyday tasks, or fuel a major life goal, Falk’s approach equips you with the tools to harness motivation as a sustainable, internalized force.

What makes Intrinsic Motivation especially powerful is Falk’s compassionate tone. He understands that the journey to true motivation isn’t without setbacks, but he provides strategies to overcome obstacles and reignite that inner spark when we feel drained. His words resonate as both wisdom and encouragement, making the process of transformation feel achievable and deeply personal.

In a world constantly focused on output and achievement, Intrinsic Motivation is a refreshing reminder that our true power lies in cultivating joy and fulfillment from within. Falk’s book is essential reading for anyone seeking to unlock their full potential—not by chasing external accolades, but by nurturing an inner drive that’s authentic, enduring, and transformative.

One memorable story in Intrinsic Motivation by Stefan Falk involves a software engineer named Alex, who initially struggles with motivation and productivity at work. Alex feels stuck in a repetitive job, disengaged and uninspired, as he perceives his work as merely fulfilling tasks for external validation and meeting deadlines. To help him, Falk suggests a shift in perspective: instead of focusing solely on results, Alex should approach each project as an opportunity for growth and mastery, setting personal challenges to learn new skills or streamline processes.

Taking this advice to heart, Alex begins to find creative ways to approach his work, experimenting with new coding techniques and optimizing team workflows. Over time, this shift transforms his experience; he no longer sees his job as a series of mundane tasks but as a platform for innovation and self-improvement. Through this intrinsic drive, Alex becomes more engaged and even begins mentoring others, finding a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment in his work.

Essentially by framing tasks around personal growth rather than external rewards, we can unlock a deeper, more sustainable motivation that keeps us engaged and satisfied, no matter the task or context.

This book explores world of corporate excellence, offering a treasure trove of valuable advice. It’s brimming with such helpful guidance that at times, the pace feels brisk to encompass it all. It’s a must-read for young professionals just beginning their careers, as it provides valuable motivation tips and practical insights for advancing projects and igniting motivation.

Furthermore, it serves as an invaluable resource for effectively conveying information to ensure it catalyzes action. In summary, I recommend this book to anyone seeking to bolster their business knowledge and propel their career forward.

This book is a practical toolbox for professionals who want to deliver, aspire to learn, and think that work can be fun even when challenging.

The author focuses on three clear development areas we all can grow in and has structured his ideas in easy, medium, and hard-to-implement suggestions, with pay-offs matching effort.

My big takeaways from the book were
1. I can increase learning by adopting the daily journal idea
2. I can become more focused by framing tasks around outcomes rather than activities
3. I believe I can become more productive by learning from others more than I do today
4. There is always a way to turn monotonous tasks into something more fun by redefining them for yourself.

Full disclosure: I had the opportunity to meet the author 25 years ago and have used some of his analysis tricks throughout my career. I master around half of the suggestions in the book, but the fact the other half is battle-proven makes me more confident in embracing the ideas. One at a time since it is the high effort high-impact ones that I am most curious about.

Enjoy your read

Had some good points. Will help with some of the things I was looking for. I don’t know if it was worth the read.

More often than not, I tend to view most books in this category with a somewhat cynical eye. This was no different. Stefan’s delivery is clear, concise, and deadpan right out of the gate and it took me a chapter or two of assuming that I knew better that yet again, once again, I was going about certain things (that are ironically relevant and quite challenging right now in my workplace) categorically wrong.

Stefan’s approach may at first seem a little higher touch than most would like, but he is also asking us to practice, development and implement skills in which their only aim is to improve one’s own career, so that’s probably worth a little bit of elbow grease.

As I got through the book, I found myriad examples that apply directly to me and my workplace and I have already begun to coyly implement some of the strategies in this book, and they appear to be functioning splendidly with little or no resistance, let alone awareness from those around me. It isn’t manipulation or persuasion so much as it is proper (key) steps and order of operation.

My recommendation is that you place your overconfidence in a safe box right next to you, read this book, and promise yourself to start by implementing 2-3 strategies and then see for yourself from there on. I feel like Stefan might suggest something very similar.