One Insight
Alright, so here’s the deal: motivation isn’t just about wanting something and going after it. If it were that simple, we’d all be crushing it 24/7.
Motivation is a tangled mess of what’s going on inside us, outside us, and all the little rewards we’re chasing—both the ones that feel good deep down and the ones that look good on paper. At Finding Mastery, we’re big on unpacking all these layers because if you really get how motivation works, you can tap into something lasting. And that’s the key, whether you’re trying to push yourself or inspire your team.
So we break motivation down into four parts: internal and external drivers, and intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.
Internal drivers are the things that light us up from the inside—like wanting to grow or make a difference. External drivers? Those are more like deadlines, outside pressure, or other people’s expectations.
Then there’s the reward side of things. Intrinsic rewards are those “hell yes” moments from doing something meaningful, while extrinsic rewards are the paycheck or the applause.
The key? Getting the balance right. All four parts have their role, but we are big on building up that intrinsic motivation and internal drive because that’s where the real, sustainable magic happens.
One Action
Here’s one thing you can do to bring this to life:
Take a few minutes to reconnect with why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Ask yourself: How connected am I to my internal drivers and the things that propel me forward? How does this align with my values?
That connection is the fuel that’ll keep you moving, long after the initial buzz fades.
One Takeaway from the Podcast
To explore this theme further, let’s revisit a conversation from Dr. Mike’s AMA episode #17.
In this “Ask Me Anything” episode, Dr. Mike tackles a question about motivating others. He explains that true motivation moves beyond rewards and incentives and encourages leaders to understand the individual needs and inner worlds of those they’re leading.
By recognizing what makes each person tick, leaders can foster an environment where intrinsic motivation flourishes, making it easier for team members to show up with commitment and passion. This approach enhances team performance and builds a culture of self-motivation and accountability.
Check out the AMA Vol. 17 episode on YouTube to hear the full conversation.
Reflect on this and then tell us: what stuck?
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Please FWD this email to anyone you think this would resonate with.
With Fire,
Dr. Mike and the Finding Mastery Team