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It was clear from talking to them, that what kept them…

“It was clear from talking to them, that what kept them motivated was the quality of the experience they felt when they were involved with the activity. The feeling didn’t come when they were relaxing, when they were taking drugs or alcohol, or when they were consuming the expensive privileges of…” quote by Steven Kotler
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““It was clear from talking to them, that what kept them motivated was the quality of the experience they felt when they were involved with the activity. The feeling didn’t come when they were relaxing, when they were taking drugs or alcohol, or when they were consuming the expensive privileges of wealth. Rather, it often involved painful, risky, difficult activities that stretched the person’s capacity and involved an element of novelty and discovery.””

Steven Kotler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Motivation arises from challenging, novel experiences that stretch abilities, not from comfort or material excess.

In simple terms: Hard, new challenges drive motivation.

Key Takeaway

Seek stretch experiences.

Themes

motivation challenge growth

Mood

excited curious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • team building
  • adventure sports
  • creative projects
  • leadership training

Key Concepts

flow state risk novelty

Questions to Reflect On

  • What risks are worth taking?
  • How do you balance safety and challenge?
A Different Perspective

Risk can lead to burnout if unmanaged.

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