Powerful insight from Drive by Daniel H. Pink: when money is used as an external reward for an activity, it can actually diminish our intrinsic interest in doing it. Sure, rewards like bonuses or perks can give a temporary jolt of motivation—like a quick shot of caffeine—but over time, they risk draining the deeper, lasting drive we naturally have to learn, grow, and challenge ourselves.
What really keeps us going isn’t the carrot at the end of the stick—it’s our innate curiosity and desire to improve. As Pink highlights, we are wired to seek out novelty and mastery, to push our limits, and to find meaning in the journey itself. This is a great reminder to nurture environments—at work, at home, or in any passion project—where internal motivation is respected and cultivated. The most powerful fuel comes from within.