Episode 113: Beyond the Gap

Show Notes

Episode Transcript

Jesse:
You are now listening to Leverage for Growth. Hey, everybody, this is Jesse P. Gilmore, founder of Niche in Control and creator of Leverage for Growth. Welcome to the Daily Leverage Edition. Today’s topic is this, Beyond the Gap, how intrinsic motivation fuels high performers’ happiness. So back, relax, and welcome to today’s Daily Leverage. Did you know that happiness is a choice? Today’s discussion is inspired by Dan Sullivan’s The Gap and the Gain. and it invites us to embrace this empowering shift in perspective. So happiness is not a byproduct of achieving goals or doing anything other than making a choice that we consciously make. According to positive psychology research, happiness is more about your mindset and attitude rather than external circumstances. And the journey is where we grow and learn and evolve. It’s where we can practice intrinsic motivation, doing things for the sheer joy and personal fulfillment, rather than relying solely on extrinsic motivators like rewards or recognition. And research distinguishes between two types of motivation, intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards, while intrinsic motivation comes from within. driven by personal interest or enjoyment in the task itself. For lasting happiness and fulfillment, cultivating intrinsic motivation is really the key. In his book, The Gap and the Gain, Dan Sullivan presents a powerful perspective. He suggests measuring against where we started, the gain, rather than against our ideals, the gap. And this mindset can significantly enhance our happiness and satisfaction. In the context of wealth creation and entrepreneurship, focusing on the journey means valuing every step that you take towards your financial goals, celebrating little victories and the lessons learned and the progress that you make. High performers choose to be happy by embracing a growth mindset, appreciating the journey and celebrating their gains. They understand the importance of intrinsic motivation. and enjoy the process of achieving their goals. So now I want to invite you to do a quick exercise. Take a moment to reflect. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself in the gap? Areas where you are comparing yourself to an ideal rather than appreciating where you are now? This could be your personal development, relationships or in business. Consider this. What would it feel like to let go of that ideal just for a moment and fully appreciate where you are right now? To feel the fulfillment of your progress rather than the distance to your ideal. Reflect on this and see what kind of shifts for you. How do you feel afterwards? And now let’s apply this to our domains of body being balance of business. So for body, appreciate the intrinsic joy that comes from taking care of your health. For being, find personal satisfaction in your journey for personal growth and self-discovery. For balance, enjoy the intrinsic value of building harmonious relationships in a balanced personal life. And for business, savor the sense of accomplishment in each step towards your business goals. So remember that happiness is a choice, and part of that choice is to value the journey over the destination. By focusing on intrinsic motivators and measuring our gains, not the gap, we can fully embrace the journey towards our goals. So now it is time for the daily leverage. So where in your world, whether in your life or business, have you been focused on extrinsic motivation? Is it in your life with your health and body? Is it in your life with your spirituality or self-direction? Is it in your relationships with your spouse, partner, or kids? is in your business, finances, or team. And once you’ve located where you’ve been focused on extrinsic motivation and you know what needs to change, my question to you is this, what are you willing and able to do about it today? That is the end of the Daily Leverage. This is Jesse P. Gilmore. You’ve been listening to the Leverage to Growth podcast. If you’re enjoying these Daily Leverage and agency leverage episodes, make sure to subscribe on Apple or Spotify now.