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VOL. 12, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Two engines, one journey: How inner drive and outside rewards guide what we do
Authors
Supriti Maji, Seuli Tudu
Abstract
Why do people sometimes
finish a marathon despite no prize money, yet refuse to lift a finger for a
paying job? The answer sits at the crossroads of two different kinds of drive:
what comes from inside us versus what comes from the outside world. This paper
walks through the main theories that explain how inner motivation (doing
something because it feels good or interesting) and outer motivation (doing
something for a reward or to avoid trouble) work together or against each
other. I look closely at Self-Determination Theory, the overjustification
effect, and older behaviorist ideas. The main argument is simple: whether
rewards hurt or help inner drive depends almost entirely on how a person
interprets the reward. Does it feel like someone is trying to control them, or
does it feel like useful information about how well they are doing? I also put
forward a basic framework to predict what will happen in schools, workplaces,
and therapy rooms. The takeaway is that most people do their best when both
kinds of motivation are present, but only when the outside rewards leave room
for personal choice and a sense of growing skill.
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Pages:75-77
How to cite this article:
Supriti Maji, Seuli Tudu "Two engines, one journey: How inner drive and outside rewards guide what we do". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, Vol 12, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 75-77
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