Intrinsic Rewards and the Good Life

What if peak performance isn’t about grinding harder but mastering your inner world? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael Gervais, high-performance psychologist and expert to elite athletes and leaders, to talk about what truly drives motivation, focus, and sustainable success. We dive into the science behind activation and anxiety, how to find your intrinsic drivers, and why self-discovery is the foundation of mastery. Michael shares how learning to regulate your nervous system, train your attention, and build mental skills can transform the way you perform under pressure. Get ready to rethink motivation, focus, and what it means to truly master your mind.

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In this Episode, You Will Learn

00:00 Why mastering your inner world matters more than external success.

03:15 How anxiety can be trained instead of feared.

06:30 The science behind activation and peak performance.

09:00 Why elite performers don’t wait to “feel motivated”.

11:00 How to stop letting the external world control your internal state.

14:30 Why unmanaged stress drains your energy fast.

16:15 The difference between drive and motivation.

18:45 Why do you need both intrinsic vs. extrinsic rewards?

21:00 What truly motivates high performers.

23:30 Why ADHD isn’t a lack of attention but equal attention.

27:15 How to train focus and avoid mental burnout.

34:00 Why meditation strengthens attention like a muscle.

37:15 How mindfulness creates insight and wisdom.

39:00 What elite coaches teach about staying coachable.

42:15 Why fear of people’s opinions blocks growth.

45:45 What’s the difference between performance-based identity vs. purpose-based identity?

49:15 How to build a daily purpose mindset.

52:45 Why purpose doesn’t need to be grand to be powerful.

54:30 Tools to regulate anxiety and emotional activation.

56:00 Leadership lessons from Bill Russell on teamwork.

Resources + Links

Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever

Watch the podcast on YouTube 

Find more resources on our website morraam.com

Follow

Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

Follow Michael: on LinkedIn @drmichaelgervais + Instagram @michaelgervais