Finding the Drive from Within: Why Intrinsic Motivation Matters for Girls

What inspires some girls to dive into their learning with enthusiasm, while others need reminders or rewards to get started? The difference often comes down to motivation -and understanding what drives us can make a big difference in how we approach school, work, and life.

There are two main types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards or pressures, like receiving a prize, earning good marks, or avoiding getting into trouble. It’s often effective in the short term, especially for getting through something unfamiliar or unappealing.

But in the long run, it’s intrinsic motivation - the kind that comes from within - that leads to deeper engagement, resilience, and long-lasting success. Intrinsic motivation is when we do something because it’s interesting, enjoyable, or personally meaningful. There’s no need for a reward at the end - we’re motivated by the activity itself. For example, a student might choose to read a book over the weekend simply because she loves the story, not because she has to write an assessment about it. Another might volunteer for a school leadership role because she enjoys helping others and values being part of a team - not to improve her résumé.

These types of motivation are especially important in girls' education. Research shows that when girls feel confident, have ownership over their learning, and feel supported by peers and mentors, they are more likely to take intellectual risks, push through challenges, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Psychologists have found that intrinsic motivation is strongest when three core needs are met: Competence – feeling capable and confident in your abilities, Autonomy – having a sense of choice and control over what you do, Relatedness – feeling connected, supported, and valued by others. When these needs are nurtured, girls are more likely to take initiative, explore new interests, and stay engaged - not because they have to, but because they want to.

At home, parents play an important role in fostering this kind of motivation. It can be tempting to offer external rewards for things like homework, chores, or studying. While there’s nothing wrong with using the occasional incentive, relying on them too often can shift focus away from the real benefits - pride in effort, satisfaction in learning, and a sense of personal accomplishment. Here are a few simple ways parents can encourage intrinsic motivation in their daughters:

• Offer choices wherever possible. When girls feel they have a say, they’re more likely to take ownership.

• Encourage independence by allowing them to complete tasks on their own before stepping in to help.

• Focus on effort and enjoyment, not just outcomes. Rather than saying, "Great job on getting an A,” try, “You really stuck with that - it must feel good to see your hard work pay off.”

• Celebrate growth, no matter how small. Helping your daughter notice her progress builds confidence and perseverance.

  
  

While extrinsic rewards can be helpful in the short term, it’s intrinsic motivation that builds the strongest foundation for lifelong learning. When girls understand why they care about what they’re doing - and find joy, meaning, or challenge in it - they become more confident, capable, and motivated to succeed on their own terms.

By nurturing this drive from within, we’re not just preparing our students to achieve at school - we’re helping them become curious, courageous, and self-motivated young women ready to thrive in the wider world.

Adapted from the work of Adrienne Santos-Longhurst, medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph.D., CRNP.

Dr John Fry

Deputy Principal - Studies