In this newsletter, we'll explore how to build internal motivation, turning curiosity into passion and passion into purpose. This isn't an overnight process—some steps may take weeks, others months. Take your time to get it right. You don't want to be two years in, only to realize it was a phase. Fine-tuning your internal drivers now will save you frustration later. Remember, sometimes you need to go slow to go fast.

CREATE A LIST

The simplest way to begin building internal motivation is by making a list. If possible, write this list in a notebook instead of on a computer. Writing by hand strengthens memory, making it more effective for learning than typing. Start by jotting down twenty-five things you're curious about—topics you'd be interested in exploring if you had a free weekend. This could include reading a few books, attending lectures, or chatting with an expert. Be as specific as possible. Instead of just being curious about basketball or movies, focus on the defensive techniques of top players or the evolution of independent filmmaking. The more detailed your list, the better it will help your brain connect ideas and spot patterns.

FIND CONNECTIONS

Once you've completed your list, start identifying where your interests overlap. For instance, if you're interested in cooking and also enjoy photography, think about how combining these two passions might lead you to create stunning food photography that showcases your culinary creations.

Curiosity alone won't ignite deep passion; you need to explore where multiple interests intersect. When you find these connections, your brain rewards you with dopamine, which enhances your focus, helps you recognize patterns, and strengthens your memory.

By stacking and connecting your interests, you boost your motivation in a natural way. This approach makes the process feel less like hard work and more like a fulfilling journey. As your brain makes these connections and recognizes patterns, you’ll find that both your engagement and enjoyment increase, leading to more creative and productive outcomes.

EXPLORE THE INTERSECTIONS

Now that you’ve identified where your interests overlap, spend some time exploring these intersections. Dedicate twenty to thirty minutes each day to diving into podcasts, videos, articles, or books related to these areas. For example, if you’re interested in cooking and fitness, explore how healthy recipes can support a workout plan.

The goal is to feed your curiosity a little each day. This gradual approach taps into your brain’s natural learning processes. By consistently engaging with new information, your brain’s “incubation” phase (when your brain processes and connects old and new knowledge subconsciously) kicks in, producing dopamine. This boosts motivation and helps you learn more effectively with less effort.

To enhance your exploration, focus on two key aspects: the history of the subject and the technical language used. Understanding the background of healthy cooking can show how different ingredients and methods evolved. Meanwhile, learning specific terms related to nutrition and exercise helps you understand and connect ideas more deeply.

By exploring these intersections, you’ll satisfy your curiosity, deepen your knowledge, and naturally develop a stronger passion for your interests.

SHARE YOUR PASSION

Building real passion takes time and effort. It’s not enough to just explore your interests; to truly spark your passion, you need to share it with others and get their positive feedback.

A public success is simply when others give you a thumbs-up or show interest in what you’re doing. This kind of encouragement makes you feel good and motivates you to keep going. It also helps you build connections with people, which strengthens your passion.

You don’t need to do anything big to start sharing your passion. Begin with small steps like chatting with friends or family about your interests. For example, if you’re into baking, talk about your favorite recipes or share your latest cake creations with people you know. Join a local club or group related to your hobby, or find an online community where you can connect with others who share your interests. If you can’t find a group that fits, start your own.

Before you start sharing widely, make sure you’ve got some solid knowledge or ideas to talk about. It’s more rewarding to share something you know and care about rather than just starting out. As you talk about your passions and get positive feedback, your enthusiasm will grow even stronger.

TURNING PASSION INTO PURPOSE

Passion can be incredibly powerful, but it’s often focused on yourself. When you're deeply excited about something, it can be easy to get lost in your own enthusiasm. To really make a big impact, you'll need support from others. This is where turning your passion into purpose comes in.

Purpose builds on the energy of passion but adds a sense of meaning. Researchers Edward Deci and Richard Ryan discovered that people are motivated by the need to connect with and care for others. This need for connection, called "relatedness," is crucial for our drive.

When you have a purpose, it makes your goals feel more important. It changes how your brain works: it reduces stress, helps you stay strong in tough times, and lowers the risk of feeling down. Having a purpose also boosts your motivation and focus by directing your attention to others and the tasks at hand.

With a sense of purpose, you’re less likely to get stuck in negative thoughts and more likely to stay motivated. Plus, it helps you attract support from others. Whether it’s help with money, physical tasks, advice, or emotional support, turning your passion into purpose makes your goals more meaningful and helps bring others on board to help you succeed.

PUTTING PURPOSE INTO PRACTICE

When it comes to making your passion a driving force in your life, think big. Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler’s idea of a “massively transformative purpose” (MTP) is all about setting an ambitious goal that can create real change. This goal should be significant and impactful, aiming to improve an industry, community, or even the world.

Start by listing fifteen major problems or challenges that you feel strongly about. These might be issues that worry you or causes you care deeply about. For instance, if you’re passionate about making education more accessible, you might think about problems like lack of resources in underserved schools or the need for better educational technology.

Then, look for ways to combine your core interests with these big challenges. This is where your passion can turn into a meaningful purpose. For example, if you care about education and you’re interested in technology, you might focus on developing new tools to help teachers and students in under-resourced schools.

An MTP not only motivates you but can also be the foundation for building a successful venture. While working toward your purpose, you’ll need to find ways to support yourself financially. You might start with part-time jobs or freelance work that allows you to pursue your passion without financial stress. For instance, I began my journey as a programmer while working on various personal projects and skills in my spare time. This approach helped me build my passion without immediate pressure to make money from it.

Tim Ferriss suggests starting new projects as side gigs—working on them during evenings or weekends. This gradual approach allows you to turn your passion into a full-time pursuit over time. By translating your curiosity into passion, passion into purpose, and purpose into actionable steps, you set yourself up for meaningful success and impact.

But how to make sure you stay in the game long enough to achieve your purpose—that’s exactly where we’re going next.

- Princewill Nzube