Notes to Self: Creating The Inner Scoreboard

Did you hit snooze?? Or did you embrace the grind?? One of the hardest parts of chasing big goals is monotony of lonely, cold, mornings where you wake up tired and hurt and must overcome all that to go into the fire for another day.? In the world of ultra-endurance events and professional pursuits, motivation is often hailed as a key driver of performance and success. However, from my experience, discipline plays a more crucial role. A balanced formula might look something like two parts discipline to one part motivation. Saying that all motivation is not created equal, and understanding the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation can transform how we approach our goals.

The Distinction Between Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic Motivation: Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards like money, praise, or status. While this type of motivation can be effective in the short term, it often wanes once the external reward is removed. It's a temporary driver that can spark action but may not sustain it over the long haul.

Intrinsic Motivation: Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, stems from within. It's the passion that fuels our endeavors, the satisfaction derived from mastering a new skill, and the fulfillment found in overcoming challenges. Intrinsic motivation is about finding joy in the process rather than solely focusing on the outcome. It aligns with personal values, interests, and the desire for self-improvement, providing a lasting drive and enhancing performance over time.

Embracing Intrinsic Motivation and Discipline

Intrinsic motivation and discipline go hand in hand, forming a powerful duo that drives sustained success. Here’s how you can harness both:

1. Find Your Why: Understanding the deeper purpose behind your goals can ignite intrinsic motivation. Reflect on why your goal matters to you and how it aligns with your values and passions.
2. Set Process-Oriented Goals: Focus on the journey rather than the destination. Setting goals that emphasize the process helps maintain motivation by celebrating small victories along the way.
3. Develop a Routine: Discipline thrives on routine. Establishing a consistent schedule for your tasks creates a structure that supports your intrinsic motivation.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating progress, no matter how small, reinforces intrinsic motivation. It builds momentum and keeps you engaged in the process.
5. Embrace Challenges as Growth Opportunities: Viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks transforms your approach to challenges. This mindset shift nurtures intrinsic motivation and resilience.
6. Focus on Mastery and Quality: Intrinsically motivated individuals prioritize mastery and quality. This focus leads to higher levels of engagement and performance.
7. Have an inner scorecard: Build an inner scorecard based on your values, your principles, and your standards. Then understand what excellence looks like in each of these.

?The Role of Discipline

While intrinsic motivation is crucial, discipline is the backbone that supports it. Discipline ensures that you show up and put in the work, even on days when motivation is lacking. It’s about creating habits and routines that keep you moving forward, regardless of how you feel in the moment.

• Consistency Over Perfection: Discipline prioritizes consistent effort over sporadic bursts of inspiration. It’s about doing what needs to be done, day in and day out. Whether it’s sticking to a training schedule or maintaining a content creation calendar, consistency builds momentum and leads to significant progress over time.
• Building Resilience: Discipline fosters resilience by teaching you to push through discomfort and adversity. It strengthens your ability to stay the course, even when the initial excitement fades. In ultra-endurance events, the ability to keep moving forward, despite physical and mental fatigue, is a testament to the power of discipline.

Falling in love with the grind means embracing intrinsic motivation and coupling it with unwavering discipline. It’s about finding joy in the process, setting meaningful goals, and developing routines that support your efforts. By prioritizing internal satisfaction and personal growth, you create a sustainable drive that propels you toward success. Embrace the grind and let the combination of intrinsic motivation and discipline guide you to extraordinary achievements.