What Motivates Me

The secret to creating value is answering one question, honestly and deeply.

Why do I do what I do?

Once we know that, anything is possible. Once we dig down
through the many levels of why and find a way to activate our own internal
generators, there’s no reason we can’t make a contribution wherever we go.

As human beings, each of us is motivated by a small collection
of intrinsic means. 

Recently, I sat down and fleshed out the drivers that
motivate me. I hope this list inspires you to create your own.

A blank canvas. Making things has always been the most
natural way for me to engage with the world. When I get up in the morning,
there’s a mechanism inside me that asks what I’m supposed to make next. I am motivated
by the freedom to express myself.

A personal ritual.
I can motivate myself to do just about anything, as long as there’s a ritual
attached to it. Ritual is an
intentional, purposeful experience I layer on top of an activity to make it
more worthwhile. And I have one for everything I do. I am motivated by a
repeatable process.

A captive audience. I believe human
interaction is a divine transaction. Engaging with people, even for a moment at
a time, fuels me more than anything. And every time I go out of my way to earn
people’s attention, I reward them for giving it to me. I am motivated by a
chance to perform.

A challenging situation.
Creativity is my gift. As a lifelong thinker, the moment something activates
the problem solving impetus of my brain, my body has a physical reaction. I
start obsessing, imagining and zealously deconstructing everything in my path
until the internal monologue stops. I am motivated by solving problems.

A meaningful
contribution. I’m
genetically wired for hard work. It’s just my nature. I’m happier when I’m
being productive and prolific. And there is a place in me that starves
if I go more than a few days without nudging
the world in a positive direction. I am motivated by the chance to work.

Why do you do what you do?