Self-Determination Theory Quotes

I like to think that we’re not defined by what happens to us…because so many times they’re beyond our control. I like to think that we’re defined by our choices and our decisions.

Money can extinguish intrinsic motivation, diminish performance, crush creativity, encourage unethical behavior, foster short-term thinking, and become addictive.

Monetary rewards are not a substitute for intrinsic motivation.

Barring extreme physical and mental disabilities, each and every one of us is where we are today -- be it poor or wealthy, happy or sad, on the streets or in a condo, in a Mercedes or a rusted-out Pinto -- because of the choices we have made during our lives. It's the choices we have made that put us where we are, not the choices others have made for us.

Motivation is undoubtedly the single greatest influence on how well people perform. Most productivity studies have found that motivation has a stronger influence on productivity than any other factor.

The nature of our motivation determines the character of our work.

Even if it’s not your ideal life, you can always choose it. No matter what your life is, choosing it changes everything.

Too many people hold a very narrow view of what motivates us. They believe that the only way to get us moving is with the jab of a stick or the promise of a carrot. But if you look at over 50 years of research on motivation, or simply scrutinize your own behavior, it's pretty clear human beings are more complicated than that.

There's an individual feminism, if you will, that you make your own choices.

Motivation comes from effort.

If your goal has no inherent reward, you do not have a goal.

The major motivation theories by which most men live can lead them only to depression and cynicism.

Without a specific reason for the consumer to behave, without a reward or benefit, the overwhelmed consumer will refuse.