Train Your Brain To Focus with Dr. Michael Gervais
The Anxious Achiever
Motivation: Drive Versus Reward
Michael breaks motivation into drive and reward axes, explaining intrinsic/extrinsic rewards and internal/external drivers.
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.
Check out our sponsors:
Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree
Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever
Cozy Earth - Give your home the luxury it deserves. Head to cozyearth.com and use code ACHIEVER for up to 20% off.
Express VPN - Secure your online data today. Visit expressvpn.com/achiever and find out how you can get up to four extra months.
Talkiatry - Head to talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes.
Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working genius.com
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
The AI-powered Podcast Player
