Word of the Day: AUTOTELIC

Of and for itself

autotelic (adj) - intrinsically rewarding or done for its own sake; of, pertaining to, or motivated by the process or experience rather than the end results [aw-tuh-tel-ik]

BREAKDOWN: AUTO- (self) + TEL- (goal) + -IC (pertaining to)

• telic means tending or directed toward a definite end, goal, or purpose

See also: autonomous

“The difference between someone who enjoys life and someone who is overwhelmed by it is a product of a combination of such external factors and the way a person has come to interpret them—that is, whether he sees challenges as threats or as opportunities for action. The autotelic self is one that easily translates potential threats into enjoyable challenges, and therefore maintains its inner harmony. A person who is never bored, seldom anxious, involved with what goes on, and in flow most of the time may be said to have an autotelic self.” —Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

[Fun Word Friday introduces more advanced or technical words that are based on word roots. Yes, these words may still be tested on standardized exams. Try to use this word in a sentence today!]