Isn’t it rewarding to help others and make a positive difference. It’s what motivates us to try hard and to give back to those who maybe can’t achieve the same things we can by their own means. It said that giving back “offers significant physical and mental health rewards, including lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and increased longevity.” [1] Rewarding experiences involve “personal growth, overcoming challenges, fostering connections, or volunteering.” [2] 

In a study at Cornell, “intrinsic motivation” is a positive feeling that comes from the process of an activity. That in fact people’s desire to persist in the task exists even after the reward has been removed. [3] Knowing this all the more reason to give back and to be of service. There are plenty of ways to be to help others, simply being there for others and offering a positive sounding board is often all that’s needed to get through a tough time and feel supported. Furthermore, rewarding experiences can include “personal milestones, or professional achievements” which give us a sense of purpose in life. [4] 

At sciencedirect.com they say the reward-learning framework of knowledge undergoes motivation transformations whereby extrinsic rewards can serve as an “entry point” for engagement by starting up the positive feedback loop internally improving upon our learning processes. [5] In fact “Positive feedback increases employee engagement, performance, and trust, acting as a crucial tool for professional growth and workplace morale.” [6] 

It’s also rewarding to get positive feedback. It keeps us going and lets us know that we are right on track. It’s something we strive for but it’s not expected. It’s ok to do the work without the applause but that doesn’t mean don’t try hard anyways. It is said “Positive feedback reinforces correct behaviors and increases motivation.” [7] 

References:

[1] https://www.healthcareexecutive.org/archives/november-december-2022/the-reward-of-giving-back#:~:text=A%20recent%20study%20found%20that,associated%20with%20empathy%20and%20happiness.

[2] rewarding experiences – Google Search

[3] It’s about time: Immediate rewards boost motivation | Cornell Chronicle

[4] rewarding experiences – Google Search

[5] The role of rewards in motivation—Beyond dichotomies – ScienceDirect

[6] positive feedback articles – Google Search

[7] positive feedback articles – Google Search