Hi Felix,

Why Intrinsic Drive Outperforms External Rewards

High achievers often chase big goals that promise tangible rewards, whether it’s financial gain, recognition, or a coveted position. Yet in highly competitive or unpredictable fields, external payoffs aren’t always guaranteed. That’s why developing a strong internal motivation—an intrinsic sense of purpose—becomes crucial. When your drive stems from a cause or vision that resonates deeply, you can maintain momentum even if accolades or financial returns arrive more slowly than anticipated.

Aligning Tasks with Your Deeper Why

• Discover what truly moves you.
  Ask yourself which values or ideals spark your enthusiasm. Perhaps it’s an urge to contribute to your community, a passion for artistic innovation, or a desire to uplift others. When your tasks connect back to these core motivations, even challenging projects feel more meaningful.
  
  
• Reframe mundane duties.
  Not every step on the path to achievement is glamorous. If you link tedious tasks to a bigger purpose—like the confidence you’ll gain, the skills you’ll master, or the impact you’ll eventually create—they become easier to tackle with commitment rather than reluctance.

Many high achievers find their motivation wanes during plateaus or after a series of setbacks. During these times, it helps to reconnect with the personal vision that first drew you to your field. Maybe you’re driven by the chance to solve a longstanding problem in your industry or to set a new benchmark of excellence. Journaling about these aspirations, or even creating a vision board, can serve as a daily reminder of why you started this journey in the first place.

Another way to sustain your intrinsic drive is to celebrate small milestones aligned with your ultimate mission. Unlike external rewards, these personal milestones are under your control. Each time you complete a step that resonates with your deeper why, you reinforce the positive loop of self-motivation. Over time, these mini-accomplishments add up to a formidable source of momentum.

Action Step

Write down why achieving a specific milestone truly matters to you—beyond finances or status. Maybe you want to lead your company to a new market because it aligns with your commitment to innovation. Or perhaps you aim to write a book that inspires others, reflecting your passion for sharing knowledge. Articulate the reasons that light you up from the inside. Refer to this list whenever your motivation dips, so you’ll remember that each task, large or small, contributes to a greater purpose.

Wishing you a steady flame of motivation,

Felix Brabander
Founder of SensitiveHighAchievers.com