Intrinsic and extrinsic factors are commonly recognized as factors that influence the three elements of motivation, so it is useful to understand these terms in order to fully understand direction, intensity and persistence. Intrinsic factors are the internal forces that motivate or compel an individual; extrinsic factors are the external forces. For instance, employers use extrinsic factors, such as bonuses or promotions, to motivate employees to perform well on the job. However, the individual may also be motivated by intrinsic factors, such as an inner drive to succeed or pride in his work. Intrinsic factors include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs and desires.
Direction is simply “the goal” towards which the individual is motivated. Importantly, a goal is actively chosen amidst a set of alternatives, whether the individual realizes such or not. The goal is determined by different influences, including extrinsic and intrinsic factors, which may contradict each other. For instance, an individual may have a natural inclination for introspection, but be motivated towards a highly social lifestyle to advance her career or social standing.
Intensity is the strength of the response in the chosen direction. Typically, there is a close relationship between intensity and the expectation of a desired outcome. Intensity, or motivational force, depends on the individual's perception of the likelihood that his effort will yield a certain result. This is true whether or not his perception is realistic. For instance, if an individual believes a raise is imminent if performs well at work, he will be more motivated and pursue the goal with greater intensity, perhaps by staying late at work and increasing output.
Persistence is essentially endurance; is the duration with which a person devotes his energies and efforts towards the direction or goal. The sustenance of behavior, again, is influenced by extrinsic and intrinsic factors. However, the factors that initially energized or initiated behavior may not necessarily be the same factors that sustain behavior and provide for persistence. For example, an individual may be motivated to earn good grades in school in order to earn his allowance at home. However, that individual may experience satisfaction from academic performance, and this motivation may supplement or entirely replace the initial motivation.