Imagine two racers of equal speed, power, and endurance line up on the track to run a championship race.
One is thinking of the personal glory of winning. The cameras, the trophy, and the roaring crowd.
The other is thinking “I have to win this for my mother.” The one who raised him and got him here today.
Who is more likely to win that race?
I’m betting on the latter.
That’s because higher stakes improve performance. Adding an outside obligation to your goal brings a sense of urgency that the result alone cannot always provide. It increases your motivation and likelihood of success.
Relying solely on the desire to succeed makes success a preferred outcome.
Adding a reason that motivates us in a deeper, and more powerful way makes it a necessity.
