On intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

Or, in other words: why some people (adults and children) are more driven and productive than others.

Over the years, but particularly since having children, people have sometimes commented on how ‘productive’ I am.

I feel awkward writing that, because it sounds like a brag.

And that’s because productivity has long been revered in our culture. After all, the more productive you are; the more you can contribute to the economy.

(Allegedly.)

As we all know: money, capital and the economy are always prioritised over health, rest, nature and relationships.

So if you are productive - producing (work, not children) - you are contributing to the economy and that makes you a valuable member of society, worthy of recognition.

Whereas being ‘unproductive’ (the opposite) has negative connotations. It’s used alongside terms like ‘lazy’.

I’m actually a big fan of laziness, and that is my natural state. I was a lazy kid, sitting still and sucking my thumb, rarely running around and definitely not being productive.