Why did I put in any extra effort today? How does just reflecting on that question help us improve?

Have you ever wondered what drives you to take action? Is that force compelling you to get things done, regardless of the circumstances? Well, there are two sources of this motivation: external and internal pressure. Let’s dive into this intriguing aspect of human behavior.

External pressure is like a nudge from the world around us. It could be your boss expecting you to complete a complex task by the end of the day. The fear of losing your job can be a powerful motivator. When you know your performance needs to meet certain standards, you’ll likely give it your all.

Think about it — if the consequence of not finishing a task is unemployment, you’d probably work your hardest to get it done. Money, after all, is a significant driving force. But, if you’re financially comfortable and the external pressure isn’t there, why rush? You might take your sweet time and not put in the extra effort.

Now, let’s talk about internal pressure. This is when you set ambitious goals for yourself. You’ve got your reasons to operate at a higher pace. Maybe it’s a personal challenge, a desire to excel, or simply your way of pushing boundaries. In this case, you’ll work tirelessly to meet your self-imposed targets or, at the very least, give it your best shot.

Some might argue that setting internal pressure is the way to go — ambitious goals, clear objectives, and a path to follow. But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every day is different. Today might be an external pressure, yesterday might have been an internal pressure, day after might be different.

Here’s a little homework for you: At the end of each day, reflect. Did you push yourself beyond your usual limits? Did you give that extra effort? Identify the why behind your actions. Was it external pressure, internal drive, or a combination of both? What can you learn from your daily motivations?

Don’t overthink it; we’re wired to take action. But, learning is the key. Be happy that you accomplished something that day, regardless of the source of your motivation. Be proud of yourself for taking that step forward.

In the end, whether it’s external or internal pressure, the important thing is that you’re moving, progressing, and growing. Don’t get hung up on the mantras that you should have internal pressure from yourself. Just, keep going, keep learning, and keep being proud of the steps you take each day. That is super hard. If you are doing even that, I am proud of you.

We start a path of improving our lives. Then we drown ourselves because we did not meet some expectations. Who cares! Reflect on what you did. You will find that you did well. Very well!

Till next time, Cheers,

Amit