The Power of Negative Motivation

This chapter explores the concept of motivation through the lens of positive and negative reinforcement, emphasizing the effectiveness of using fear and failure avoidance. It presents a strategy where the primary driver for goal pursuit is the pressure to evade negative outcomes.

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Episode notes

In this episode, my guest is David Goggins, retired Navy SEAL, highly accomplished ultramarathoner, best-selling author, and influential public speaker.

David explains how he mastered his inner dialogue to build extraordinary levels of discipline and mental and physical toughness.

He describes how confronting his early hardships, including physical and mental abuse, learning disorders, and obesity, became a practice of deep and excruciating self-reflection — eventually allowing him to transmute those experiences into a superhuman work ethic.

This conversation is a unique window into David Goggins’ process in that it focuses both on the underlying science and how David manages and directs his inner dialogue.

It’s a conversation that will inform and inspire anyone wondering how exactly to go about building discipline and confidence and reach their potential.

Note: This conversation includes profanity. Some content might not be suitable for all audiences and ages.

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