Getting better at getting better is what RiseWithDrew is all about.

Monday through Thursday, we explore ideas from authors, thought leaders, and exemplary organizations. On Friday, I share something about myself or what we are working on at PCI.

One of my goals this year is to get better at time blocking.

I first learned about time blocking many years ago when I had the opportunity to participate in the … continue reading

1: To increase our motivation, we want to tap into our intrinsic drivers.

We amplify our intrinsic motivation when we perform activities we find interesting and internally satisfying, Steven Kotler writes in his book The Art of Impossible.

We do this when we spend time doing things we are curious about, that we are passionate about, and that increases our feelings of purpose, autonomy, and mastery. 

2: That’s one of … continue reading

1: Getting better at getting better is what RiseWithDrew is all about.

Monday through Thursday, we explore ideas from authors, thought leaders, and exemplary organizations. On Friday, I share something about myself or what we are working on at PCI.

Until recently, scientists believed that extrinsic motivators were more powerful than intrinsic drivers.

“Extrinsic drivers are rewards that are external to ourselves,” Steven Kotler writes in his book The … continue reading

1: This week, we’ve been doing a deep dive into peak performance. We must get into a flow state to perform at the highest levels.

We do so by engaging flow triggers, including autonomy, the curiosity-passion-purpose triad, complete concentration, the challenge-skills balance, clear goals, and immediate feedback.

All of these are internal flow triggers. They arise from within us.

However, there are also external flow triggers, Steven Kotler writes in … continue reading

1: To achieve peak performance, we must enter what scientists call the flow state.  

Otherwise known as “Being in the zone” or a “Runner’s High.” That feeling of “Being unconscious.”

Yesterday, we looked at three triggers that help us access the flow state: Autonomy, the curiosity-passion-purpose triad, and complete concentration, as outlined by Steven Kotler in his brilliant book, The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer.

Our next … continue reading

1: Perhaps we’ve been there. 

A “peak experience.” Sometimes called “Being in the Zone” or a “Runner’s High.” That feeling of “being unconscious.”

The scientists call it “flow,” or being in a “flow state.”

It’s the mental state when we are fully immersed. Energetically focused. Total concentration. Complete absorption. Time seems to melt away. 

Being in flow is one of the secrets to peak performance. So, if we want to … continue reading

1: Under normal conditions, we only use a small portion of our brain, say 10 percent.

So, when we achieve peak performance, also known as flow, it must be because we use more of our brain. Right?

“Turns out, we had it exactly backward,” Steven Kotler writes in The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer.

“The prefrontal cortex is a powerful place,” he writes. “It’s the seat of … continue reading

1: New year. New us. 

That’s a possibility. But what precisely are we going to do differently?

One of my big learnings last year was around the power of intrinsic motivators. 

We often set goals where our reward is getting a promotion or a raise. Or being recognized for winning a game. These are examples of extrinsic motivators. Things outside of us. 

There’s nothing wrong with extrinsic motivation. But the … continue reading

1: There were two teams of lumberjacks.  

“Some were told to work smart and fast, but no pressure, do your best,” writes Steven Kotler in The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer.

“Others were given quotas. This much wood for a good week of work, this much wood for a great week,” he writes. 

“It’s important to note that there was zero financial reward given for meeting these … continue reading

1: Getting better at getting better is what RiseWithDrew is all about.

Monday through Thursday, we explore ideas from authors, thought leaders, and exemplary organizations. On Friday, I share something about myself or what we are working on at PCI.

So, what is the difference between the different types of motivation? 

Extrinsic motivation comes from outside of us. It’s when we do something for financial gain, recognition, or to … continue reading