Intrinsic Motivation & Reflection on New Work
- Sarah Bodo
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
In my current Impact Certificate, I’ve been diving deeper into the concept of New Work—a philosophy that reimagines work beyond traditional structures, focusing on autonomy, purpose, and collaboration. While many of these ideas were already part of my experience in the innovation space, over the holidays, I gained new insights—particularly about intrinsic motivation and why it plays such a critical role in our ability to thrive at work.
The Highs of Leading Innovation: A Team Connected by Vision
When I led global innovation teams, I experienced what true intrinsic motivation felt like. Driving innovation forward with a talented team was energizing, especially when we had intentional, in-person moments to align.
We met two to three times a year, and looking back, those moments were more than just meetings—they were what fueled my motivation for the months ahead. In those sessions, we:
✅ Built a shared vision—clarifying our goals for the next year or quarter.
✅ Reinforced our connection—despite being distributed across different locations.
✅ Created a sense of ownership—aligning on our direction together, rather than just following top-down mandates.
Even though we worked across different regions, I felt a strong sense of purpose and belonging—the two key ingredients of sustainable motivation.
When Motivation Started to Drop: Pushing the Rock Uphill
However, toward the end of 2023, I noticed my motivation was fading—and I couldn’t immediately pinpoint why. My connection to the team remained strong, but something was missing.
Now, through my learning on New Work and motivation psychology, I can see that several key factors had shifted:
1. The Shift from Intrinsic to Extrinsic Motivation
At the height of our work, my motivation was intrinsic—driven by curiosity, creativity, and the impact we were creating. But as external pressures increased, so did the feeling of having to prove our value.
💡 Psychology Insight:
Intrinsic motivation thrives when work is fueled by purpose, autonomy, and growth.
Extrinsic motivation (e.g., external approval, proving worth, or overcoming bureaucracy) can quickly lead to frustration and burnout.
As business environments shift, innovation leaders often find themselves balancing long-term vision with immediate priorities. Sustaining motivation in these moments requires a mix of adaptability, alignment, and clarity.
2. The Weight of Boundaries & Bureaucracy
Innovation thrives in agility, experimentation, and iteration. However, large-scale projects—especially in global environments—require balancing creative freedom with business priorities.
💡 Key Reflection:
Boundaries and processes are necessary, but too much rigidity stifles creative momentum.
The tension between staying innovative and proving worth can drain motivation if not balanced properly.
3. Losing the Future-Driven Momentum
As projects became more focused on the short-term, the long-term vision felt less tangible. The shift from building the future to navigating immediate constraints or providing short term wins led to a subtle but powerful disconnect from purpose.
💡 Self-Determination Theory Insight:
Motivation is fueled by three psychological needs:
🔹 Autonomy – Feeling in control of how you work.
🔹 Competence – Feeling effective and impactful.
🔹 Relatedness – Feeling connected to others.
When we lose sight of long-term purpose, it can weaken our sense of competence and autonomy, making it harder to sustain motivation.
Rebuilding Motivation: Lessons for Leaders & Innovators
Looking back, this experience has taught me that motivation isn't just about passion—it’s about structure, alignment, and energy management.
For organizations and leaders navigating similar challenges, here are some takeaways:
1. Prioritize Connection & Shared Vision
Create intentional alignment moments—whether in-person or virtual—to reinforce purpose.
A clear, co-created vision keeps teams motivated even in uncertain times.
2. Protect Autonomy & Agility
Give teams space to experiment without constant justification.
Balance external constraints with freedom to innovate—too much oversight can kill creativity.
3. Reignite Purpose & Forward Momentum
Keep teams connected to the end-users and impact—this fuels energy and meaning.
Innovation isn't just about solving immediate problems; it’s about shaping the future—don’t lose sight of that.
Final Thoughts
Understanding intrinsic motivation has given me clarity on what drives us—and what drains us. If you're feeling like you’re pushing the rock uphill, ask yourself:
🔹 Is your work still aligned with your core values and strengths?
🔹 Are you being driven by passion or just external pressure?
🔹 What adjustments can you make to reignite your motivation?
New Work isn't just about remote policies or flexible hours—it’s about rethinking how we stay energized, inspired, and engaged in a world that constantly shifts around us.
Would love to hear your thoughts—what fuels your motivation? 🚀
Find Your Wave,
Sarah 🌊
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