When working on a project for Fryshuset, a Swedish nonprofit organisation focused on empowering young people, we faced a significant challenge: how to not only get young people to show up for an initial workshop but also inspire them to commit to the program over the long haul. It wasn’t just about nudging participants into attending a single session but fostering a sense of sustained engagement that would see them stay involved and grow within the initiative.
The key to this challenge lay in blending motivation and behavioral insight. From the very first workshop, we focused on igniting intrinsic motivation – not just getting participants through the door but getting them to connect with the purpose behind their involvement. Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity for its own sake, for the enjoyment, challenge, interest or natural fulfilment of curiosity.1 Through carefully designed exercises, we encouraged young participants to look inward, reflect on their personal goals, dreams, and ambitions. These activities were crafted to help them see how building entrepreneurial skills could directly support their own vision of the future, rather than framing it as a generic career skill they “should” develop.
Instead of simply saying, “This will help you when applying for jobs,” we framed it as a more intrinsic question: "How can this support you in achieving your aspirations, goals, and dreams?" By fostering an emotional connection, we shifted the focus from external pressures to internal motivation, creating a foundation for lasting commitment. While finding a job is important for young people, we wanted them to first reflect on their passions before considering the workforce.
The Power of Inner Drive
Intrinsic motivation has been widely studied, especially in classrooms. Research confirms that providing students with choice and control in learning experiences enhances intrinsic motivation. When teachers allow learners to select tasks or topics that align with their interests and goals, it personalizes the learning process, making it more meaningful and engaging for students. This sense of ownership fosters deeper involvement and the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. Moreover, tailoring choices to be optimally challenging—neither too easy nor too difficult—enhances competence and motivation, supporting students' development and confidence in their abilities.2
Fryshuset’s program has been live for just a few months, and we are already observing strong engagement among participants as they work towards their personal goals and aspirations. Moving forward, we will continue evaluating the program to identify which methods have been particularly effective in fostering long-term commitment and enthusiasm among the young people involved.
1 Barry, K. and King, L. (1999) Beginning Teaching and Beyond. Social Science Press, New South Wales, 7(12).
2 Evans, M., & Boucher, A. (2015). Optimizing the Power of Choice: Supporting Student Autonomy to Foster Motivation and Engagement in Learning. Mind Brain and Education, 9(2). doi: 0.1111/mbe.12073