The side effects of overjustification in reality

   Hi, today I want to share an interesting topic, namely "the side effects of overjustification in reality", The main reason why I chose this topic is because many people, especially women, often fall victim to over-justification, in reality many sellers of goods try to exaggerate a justification to the potential buyers until they cannot use logic optimally, The side effect that occurs is that buyers end up buying a product that they don't actually need, in Psychology, the overjustification effect is a fascinating psychological phenomenon because it challenges our common assumptions about motivation.

 Here’s what makes it interesting:

It shows that rewards can backfire.

Intuitively, we think giving people rewards (money, praise, prizes) should increase their motivation. But the overjustification effect shows that if someone already enjoys an activity, adding an external reward can actually reduce their intrinsic motivation. For example, a child who loves drawing may draw less often once they start getting prizes for it—because the focus shifts from “I draw because I enjoy it” to “I draw to get the prize.”

It highlights the fragility of intrinsic motivation.

People’s natural curiosity, creativity, or playfulness can be disrupted if the task is reframed as “work” rather than “fun.” This insight is widely applied in education, parenting, and workplace management.

It reveals how our minds make sense of our own behavior.

The effect is explained by self-perception theory: we often infer our internal motives by observing what we do. If someone notices, “I’m doing this because I’m being paid,” they may conclude they don’t actually like it that much.

It complicates the use of incentives.

The effect doesn’t mean all rewards are bad. It suggests that the type of reward and how it’s presented matter. For example:

✅Unexpected or symbolic rewards (like verbal praise) usually don’t undermine intrinsic motivation.

✅Tangible, expected rewards (like money or prizes) for doing something already enjoyable are more likely to cause the effect.

It connects motivation to identity.

When people feel that they are doing something out of choice and enjoyment, it becomes part of their identity (“I am a person who likes drawing”). When it feels imposed or transactional, it weakens that identity connection.

In short, the overjustification effect is interesting because it reveals the paradox that too much external motivation can kill internal drive, and it shows how our sense of “why we do things” is constructed in subtle, sometimes counterintuitive ways.

Overjustification (or the overjustification effect) is a psychological phenomenon in which providing external rewards or rewards for an activity that is already internally enjoyed can diminish a person's interest in that activity, simply put, when someone does something because they enjoy it (intrinsic motivation), and then we introduce external incentives (such as money, praise, or prizes), that person can begin to associate the activity with the reward they receive. As a result, their original (intrinsic) motivation weakens or even disappears.

Effects of Overjustification

Here are some of the impacts that can arise from overjustification:

* Loss of Internal Motivation: This is the most important effect. Someone who initially enjoyed painting because it felt satisfying, for example, may lose interest after being paid for each painting. They are no longer painting for pleasure, but for the money. Once the reward is gone, their motivation disappears as well.

* Decrease in Quality and Creativity: When the focus shifts from personal satisfaction to external rewards, the quality of work often declines. People no longer strive to do their best or be the most creative, but merely to meet the minimum requirements to receive a reward. This is particularly evident in jobs that require original thinking or innovative solutions. 

* Transactional Mindset: This phenomenon transforms a person's relationship with an activity or job into a transactional one. "I'll do this if I get paid or rewarded." This can damage dynamics in the workplace, education, and even in hobbies or personal relationships.

Real-Life Examples

* Children and Reading: A child who enjoys reading books because the stories are interesting may stop reading once their parents give them money for each book they finish. Once their parents stop giving them money, the child may no longer want to read, as their motivation has shifted from "enjoying reading" to "reading for money."

* Hobbies and Work: Someone who initially enjoyed photography as a hobby may feel pressured and lose their passion when they make it a full-time job. The pressure to make money and meet client requests can diminish the initial enjoyment.

This phenomenon demonstrates that sometimes well-intentioned rewards can have unexpected and damaging consequences. Therefore, it is important to be careful when offering rewards, especially for activities driven by intrinsic motivation.

Finding a meaning in the pleasure obtained

   Hi, today I want to share an interesting topic, namely "finding a meaning in the pleasure obtained", The reason I chose this topic is because many people cannot find meaning in their daily activities, they think that the activities they get cannot give much meaning to them, We need to realize that not all the activities we do can provide meaning, but we ourselves must give meaning to the activities themselves. to be meaningful, pleasure is not just a feeling, but also needs to be connected to deeper values. Several factors can transform pleasure into a more meaningful experience.

✅Connection to Personal Values

Pleasure becomes meaningful when it aligns with your values. For example, enjoying nature while hiking becomes meaningful if you deeply appreciate nature and its beauty. This pleasure is not just about the scenery, but also about recognizing the values ​​you believe in.

✅Connection to Human Connection

Sharing a pleasurable experience with others can make it much more meaningful, a delicious dinner becomes more than just a delicious meal when enjoyed with friends or family you care about, the presence of others enriches the experience, making it a cherished memory.

✅Encouraging Personal Growth

Pleasure that stimulates personal growth can create meaning. Learning to play a new musical instrument can be challenging at first, but the satisfaction of successfully playing it can provide profound meaning. This pleasure arises from the process of achievement and self-development.

✅Awareness and Mindfulness

Often, we enjoy things without fully realizing it.  With mindfulness practice, we can better appreciate every detail of the experience. Sensing the texture, aroma, and flavor of a cup of tea, for example, can transform a simple pleasure into a meaningful moment.

✅Recalling Memories or Nostalgia

A pleasure can be meaningful if it triggers nostalgia or reminds us of a fond memory from the past. Listening to a favorite song from our youth, for example, isn't just about the music, but also about the memories, emotions, and self-identity of that time.

✅The Element of Sacrifice or Effort

Something obtained through effort or sacrifice tends to be more appreciated. A dish cooked after hours of experimenting with a new recipe will taste more delicious and meaningful than food purchased directly. The process adds value to the result.

Essentially, pleasure becomes meaningful when it transcends momentary sensations and connects with important aspects of our lives, such as values, relationships, growth, and memories.

Giving meaning to pleasure is not just an act, but a fundamental need that provides many benefits to our lives. Here are some reasons why it's important to do so.

✅Prevent Boredom and Addiction

Without meaning, pleasure can become a shallow cycle. For example, when you eat a delicious meal, you might seek the same sensation, and over time, the pleasure will fade. However, if you give pleasure meaning—for example, by appreciating the process of cooking it or enjoying it with a loved one—the experience becomes more valuable and less boring. This also helps us avoid constantly seeking pleasure from external sources.

✅Building Stronger Relationships

When we share pleasure and give meaning to the moment, we strengthen bonds with others. Birthday parties, for example, aren't just about cake and gifts, but also about memories, laughter, and gratitude. By giving meaning to these moments, we not only enjoy what happens but also create memories that strengthen our relationships with those closest to us.

✅Increasing Happiness and Life Satisfaction

Meaningful pleasure tends to lead to deeper and more lasting satisfaction. Momentary pleasure (hedonic happiness) can disappear in a matter of minutes, while meaningful happiness (eudaimonic happiness) comes from engagement, purpose, and personal growth. When we find meaning in pleasure, we not only feel happy but also feel our lives are richer and more meaningful.

Giving meaning to pleasure also helps us appreciate each moment. This transforms fleeting pleasures into valuable experiences that can improve our overall quality of life.

How to Improve Interpersonal Communication Skills for Introverts in the Workplace

  Hi, today I want to share a topic about "How to Improve Interpersonal Communication Skills for Introverts in the Workplace",  The main reason why I chose this topic is because not many people with introvert personalities can adapt to different environments, to anticipate the communication differences of an introverts in the work culture,  they will usually empty themselves of their sense of knowledge and choose to learn new things starting from new experiences, 

Introverts in the workplace aren't necessarily quiet or avoid interaction. They simply have different work styles and social preferences than extroverts. Here's a general overview of what introverts do in the workplace:

* Deep Focus and High Concentration. Introverts prefer working alone or in small groups. They tend to be less distracted by noise or constant social interaction, allowing them to fully focus on tasks that require deep thought, analysis, or creativity. This makes them highly effective in jobs that require high precision, such as data analysis, programming, or writing.

* Good Listeners and Keen Observers. Introverts tend to listen more than they talk. They process information carefully before responding. This trait makes them excellent listeners in meetings or discussions. They are able to understand issues thoroughly and provide thoughtful, measured input, rather than just knee-jerk responses.

* Deep Relationship Quality. Introverts may have a smaller circle of friends, but the relationships they build tend to be deeper and more meaningful. They prefer personal, one-on-one interactions, which allows them to form strong bonds with certain coworkers. These strong relationships can be valuable assets in teamwork and collaboration.

* Thorough Planning. Introverts tend to think and reflect before acting. They don't rush into decisions. They analyze situations, consider multiple perspectives, and carefully plan their strategies. This measured approach often results in more innovative and effective solutions.

How They Interact and Manage Energy

Despite these strengths, introverts also need specific strategies to succeed in a work environment dominated by extroverts.

* Setting Time to "Recharge." Intense social interactions, such as marathon meetings or busy office events, can drain an introvert's energy. Therefore, they often schedule time alone, such as during lunch, to rest and recharge before returning to work.

* Participating with Preparation. Rather than speaking spontaneously, introverts often prepare before meetings or presentations. They think about the points they want to make, practice what they will say, and even anticipate questions that might arise. This preparation makes them feel more confident and able to contribute effectively.

* Build Your Network Gradually. Introverts often avoid large networking events. They prefer to build their network slowly, one-on-one, through one-on-one conversations or interactions outside of work hours. They may be more comfortable inviting coworkers for coffee or lunch for a casual chat than participating in an office party.

* Choose the Right Communication Method. Sometimes, introverts prefer communicating via email or text message rather than phone calls or face-to-face meetings, especially for non-urgent matters. This allows them to process their thoughts better and provide more structured responses.

How to Improve Interpersonal Communication Skills for Introverts in the Workplace

1. Understanding Yourself

✅Before improving communication, introverts need to understand their unique characteristics:

✅More comfortable with in-depth conversations than small talk.

✅Easily fatigued by prolonged social interactions.

✅Stronger at listening, analyzing, and thinking before speaking.

👉 Initial Mindset: Communication isn't about being an "extrovert," but about using introverted strengths effectively.

2. Foundations of Communication Skills

a. Building Self-Confidence

✅Practice positive self-talk: "I have a valuable idea to share."

✅Use open body language: a light smile, brief but sincere eye contact.

b. Active Listening

✅Show interest with a nod or follow-up question.

✅Summarize the other person's points to ensure understanding.

c. Managing Anxiety

✅Use the 4-7-8 breathing technique before meetings.

✅Prepare your main points to avoid going blank when asked to speak.

 3. Practical Strategies in the Workplace

a. In Meetings

✅Arrive early and get a feel for the situation.

✅Jot down ideas before the meeting starts to be better prepared

✅If speaking in person is difficult, use the Q&A period or follow up via email.

b. In Everyday Conversation

✅Start with simple small talk: the weather, light work, or the latest news.

✅Use the "3W" technique: Work, Wellbeing (health/life), and World (general news/issues).

c. During Presentations

✅Practice keeping your speech concise and concise (elevator pitch).

✅Use slides/images as a tool to avoid focusing too much on yourself.

✅Focus on the message, not on others' judgments.

d. Dealing with Extroverted Colleagues

✅Set energy boundaries: don't hesitate to ask for time to process.

✅Use neutral language: "Can I think about it and reply in a moment?"

 4. Long-Term Tips

✅Communication Journaling: After important interactions, record what worked and what could be improved.

✅Gradual Social Training: Start by speaking with one person, then a small group, then a large group.

✅Mentoring or Coaching: Ask for feedback from trusted colleagues.

✅Participate in Soft Skills Training: public speaking, negotiation, or emotional intelligence.

5. Closing Mindset

✅Introverts don't have to be "loud" to be valued in the workplace.

In fact, by listening well, speaking meaningfully, and maintaining authenticity, introverts can become strong, respected, and trusted communicators.