Super Skill: Creating intrinsic (not extrinsic) motivation
Why this matters today
This is the trap most people fall into:
They rely on pressure, deadlines, or other people’s opinions to push them forward.
Think: Getting in shape, studying for a course, or working on a project.
It works for a moment, then they feel drained or they quit.
They depend on external motivation that fluctuates and isn’t guaranteed.
You can play the game differently.
By focusing on intrinsic motivation, the kind ofmotivation that comes from within, you create steady energy, calm focus, and a performance that feels good, not forced.
Super skill
Today’s super skill is switching from extrinsic motivation to intrinsic motivation, on demand, using a 7-minute reset.
Step 1. Spot what’s driving you:
Pick one goal for this week. Ask: “What’s my real reason for choosing this goal?”
If the answer is praise, fear, money, comparison, or proving yourself, label it: extrinsic.
If the answer is growth, meaning, curiosity, contribution, or enjoyment, label it: intrinsic.
Step 2. Convert it into an intrinsic reason:
Take the same goal and rewrite the reason in a way that feels personal.
Try these prompts in a quick journal note:
“If nobody noticed, why would I still do this?”
“Which deep personal value does this goal express?”
“Which strength do I want to practice here?” (kindness, bravery, love of learning, perseverance, etc.)
If you want extra clarity, take this Values in Action strengths survey and use your top strengths as fuel. It’s a gold standard in positive psychology assessments (and is free).
Step 3. Build momentum with one tiny action:
Break the goal into daily micro goals and choose a 5-minute ‘starter step’ you for each micro-goal.
Use this 3-step fail-safe framework:
Schedule it daily at a specific time.
Keep it simple: 2-3 bullet points about of what you’ll focus on are enough.
Don’t skip two days in a row
Why this works: When you name what drives you, you increase psychological flexibility. When you tie action to values and strengths, your attention and effort feel more self-directed. Momentum then becomes its own motivation.
Becoming Super
Becoming Super is not about being motivated at all times.
It is about choosing the kind of motivation that does not burn you out. When you can shift from ‘I should’ to ‘I choose’, you lead better, you create better work, and you come home with more patience.
This is exactly why training your attention to notice and drive such a mental shift is so important (and quite frankly, so necessary in today’s over-saturated world).
Stay Super! ⚡️
With much joy,
Hashim
PS. Only 8 seats remain in the Attention Training Cohort on 25th February this month. Details here.