I used to think that intrinsic motivation is what separates those who achieve their goals from those who do not.
That may be part of it. Intrinsic motivation feels more authentic. It sounds more noble. It makes for good underdog stories. But I don't believe that narrative is complete.
Whether one's motivation is mostly intrinsic or extrinsic, the work still needs to be done. Think of the countless hours of practice. The long years of sacrifice. The skills honed through much repetition. The intuition gained only through past mistakes.
This is true for athletes and entrepreneurs, salespeople and scientists, musicians and medical students. Some of these tend to be more intrinsically motivated than others. Some of them we might like to believe are intrinsically motivated. And we could be right for the group, wrong for any individual.
To be sure, intrinsic motivation helps. It may sustain us better through difficult times. But that's just a moderating variable - not the outcome itself. The source of the motivation is largely inconsequential.
What then drives achievement?
I believe it's the willingness to put in the work, even when there's no immediate payoff, no guarantee of success.
See, guarantees are easy. If working a little harder will guarantee a promotion next cycle, more people would do it. If exercising for 3 months will guarantee their targeted weight loss, more people would do it. If practicing their instrument for 2 hours a day will guarantee stardom, more people would do it.
But life seldom offers guarantees - and certainly not on our desired timelines.
I bring this up because of a troubling narrative in our culture today - one telling people to do the bare minimum. Don't go above and beyond. Don't give 110% effort. Don't do any work you're not paid for.
Now I will refrain from calling this lazy or selfish. Everyone has to make their own choices, and it works for some people. But I will say that it's short-sighted. And if they have any ambition beyond being a cog in the machine, it doesn't align with reality.
Most high achievers I know have gone above and beyond. They have studied materials not assigned in class. They have volunteered for extra responsibilities at work. They have spent time outside of work learning new skills, volunteering in trade associations, or building their own personal projects.
Yes, they do set boundaries to not be exploited. They do practice self-awareness to know when to quit or pivot. What they don't do is cross their arms and demand value today. They play the long game.
Their primary motivation may be intrinsic or extrinsic. Some do it for the cause; others do it for the money. Some chase the passion; others chase the glory. Some want to prove it to themselves; others want to prove it to their families and friends, supporters and doubters.
Despite their differences, they have all done the work when success was uncertain. They have sought excellence. They have branched out. They can do more than their peers. They can do better than their competitors. They can create tremendous value for their employers, customers, and communities.
Is it any wonder that they win?