How does intrinsic motivation affect long‑term habit formation for athletes?

08 Eki 21:45

I’ve been reading about self‑determination theory and the role of intrinsic motivation in sustaining performance. In sports, athletes often talk about ‘loving the game’ as a driver for consistent training. How strong is the link between intrinsic motivation and the ability to maintain habits over months or years? Are there specific psychological mechanisms that make internal drive more reliable than external rewards? Would love to hear thoughts or research insights on this relationship.