INTRINSIC: A MANIFESTO TO REIGNITE OUR INNER DRIVE

The book is a thought provoking read as it goes into how today’s society is being damaged through ‘motivation’, or more specifically, the wrong kind of motivation. In a compelling argument, the author states that for far too long we have viewed work and the incentives for work purely through an economic lens. If we pay people enough, they will work better and through this the world will be a better place. But that hasn’t happened. While economic incentives are necessary ‘hygiene factors’, they alone cannot solve the problem of motivation and instead, if taken to an extreme, create appalling social costs where today ‘whole swathes of society’ see no way for their talents to be recognised. Demotivation and depression aside, the over-use of economic incentives to reward work have helped in the creation of current problems today such as mass income equality and even climate changeSo, what then is the alternative? Purpose. This simple but complicated answer sums up what could the possible solution forward. While the author acknowledges realities such as the fact that income is needed and corporations will not change, a simple question to ask yourself is what is your purpose? Why are you doing the work you are doing, and could you do it any other way? This may sound simplistic, but the author gives numerous examples of people achieving great results from harnessing their intrinsic motivation to do good. From trying to reform the Indian police force to breakthrough treatment on a person who was suffering from AIDS - all these solutions were discovered by people realising they were meant to do something that intrinsically motivated them. Governments, societies, and corporations must learn how to harness this intrinsic motivation by allowing people longer time to transition into new roles and to simply ask them if that role is in conjunction not just with their skills, but with their values too. Only then can we achieve true work-life harmony, something which interestingly doesn’t come through more vacation time as the author demonstrates with statistics of worker burnout rates from France and Sweden.The book threw up a lot of ideas of how we not only better ourselves but fix the world at the same time. It will have its critics who will claim that tight deadlines and low budgets during the pandemic make such ideas lofty and unattainable. But such critics would miss the point. Intrinsic motivation isn’t about ‘bribing’ your workers into office through cookies, bean bags and pay cheques but simply asking them ‘how do you want to make a difference in your workplace and how can we help you do it?’ The answer can throw up possibilities beyond our expectations. Do read it!

I loved the book!.... because I think it written for people like me; who are trying to redefine themselves to make it possible to express their most authentic self at work and in life itself. Finding intrinsic motivation is the key. I used the book to examine my life as a whole to find the where my motivation was drained away inspite of having "purpose".Thanks to the book I now know the importance "hygiene factors". A well written book where the author writes about examples from his own life experiences of starting an NGO - STir education; a truly amazing feat by itself.

Intrinsic motivation correlates to behaviour that is navigated by inner gratifications. In other words, the motivation to immerse in a behaviour originates from within the individual because it is naturally gratifying to you.Playing diverse roles in different facets of life, we feel unconcerned, dissatisfied with the system, co-workers, whether that's the organization we work for or our society. We just look for problems rather than solutions. Intrinsic shows that we do not have to think that way. We can regulate our internal realm, even if we can not regulate the external realm. Still, we can make considerable alterations, and fall back to a well-balanced life.This book by Sharath Jeevan includes very many of his project outreaches, where the author engagingly pulls together research, anecdotes and commentary based on his experience across various sectors. This can give you a sense of progress when you see that your work is achieving something positive or competent when you learn something new or become more skilled at a task.Sharath Jeevan brings you on a wonderful journey to discover the voice of your true self. Practical, and inspirational guide of psychology, philosophy, and behavioural science.This was very easy to read and follow. It is loaded with gems that have already encouraged me so much. He is contending that whatever is going on in your life - good or bad - there is a place within you that is amicable, and you have a choice of what you want to feel. It is not a well-worn self-help book, fairly an interesting book, curbing seminal research.

Really enjoyed reading this book. It offers useful insights on how to reimagine work, relationships and citizenship using a framework of intrinsic motivation, that comprises 3 pillars- purpose, autonomy and mastery. Would recommend a read.

What you are looking for, you will NOT find in this book ..save your money

This book is truly inspirational. It helps us reflect on what is fundamentally essential for us as individuals, organizations and society at large. It gives simple yet important guidelines on how to action change.It is very well structured, documented in abundance and written in a way that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. This is groundwork that we should all read to inspire us to enact change for a better world. Thanks Sharath Jeevan for such a great book !

This feels like the right book at the right time.We live in a world where there is much to feel demotivated, alienated and cynical about. Intrinsic shows that we do not have to feel that way. We can control our inner world, even if we can not control the outside world.Intrinsic is pretty ambitiious: it covers work, success, relationships, parenting, citizenship and life. But at least it does not fall into the trap of "three one minute activities which will change your life forever!". Instead, it shows how there are a series of consistent themes, in all strands of life, which you can address in small steps to make things better. It is highly practical, goes light on the theory and goes long on the original cases.Intirnisic is not only useful: it is an enjoyable read as well. Full marks.

We all know that paying lots of money to people who don't like what they do isn't the way to go. Sherath has deep experience in the charity sector where, mostly, people perform because they are passionate about what they do. He draws on his experience in starting and building charities with global impact to outline how we 're-ignite' that inner drive. He uses stories from his own work and home life to explain intrinsic motivation and how we can leverage it. It's easy to read with very valuable insights.

The author engagingly pulls together research, anecdotes and commentary based on his experience across various sectors. Its not a self help or business book, but it does suggest practical strategies that you can use across all areas of your life whether personal or professional to ignite motivation. He nimbly steers away from trite lists of routines or processes, that alone makes it pretty unique. One of the few books I will purchase in hard copy after reading on the kindle - and its made an even shorter list of books I've gifted to colleagues!

Intrinsic made me question almost every aspect of my life, and most importantly what "purpose" and "success" mean across my different roles: as a parent, husband, at work, as part of my community. If you prefer not to confront your preconceptions to avoid feelings of discomfort in the short-term, definitely don't read this book. But I agree with the author that "the cost of inaction in intrinsic motivation can be deeply damaging" in the long term. So I would recommend everyone to start reading...