Absolutes Quote by Daniel Goleman
“Although traditional incentives such as bonuses or recognition can prod people to better performance, no external motivators can get people to perform at their absolute best. . . .Wherever people gravitate within their work roles, indicates where their real pleasure lies—and that pleasure is itself motivating.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, Daniel Goleman, 2013
External rewards can boost effort but only intrinsic pleasure drives peak performance; aligning work with personal enjoyment unlocks true potential.
In simple terms: People work best when they enjoy what they do.
Key Takeaway
Find work that feels rewarding.
Themes
motivation
performance
intrinsic reward
Mood
engaged
optimistic
Type
inspirational
practical
When to use this quote
- career choice
- team leadership
- creative projects
- personal development
Key Concepts
psychology
self-determination
flow
Questions to Reflect On
- What tasks give you genuine joy?
- How can you redesign your role to increase pleasure?
A Different Perspective
External incentives may still be needed for basic compliance.
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