Every athlete has a source of motivation they use to help push them toward their goals and aspirations. Highly successful athletes rely on intrinsic motivation as opposed to extrinsic motivation.

What I mean by this is that the superstar athletes you see in your sport are motivated by what is inside them, not by the money, fame, or recognition. Yes, making money and being famous has its perks, but that is not what motivates successful athletes on a daily basis. These athletes get their motivation from something much deeper and much more

substantial.

They have a “why”.

The questions you need to ask yourself are, why am I doing this? What is my reason for getting up every day and going to the gym? Why do I get to practice early and stay late? Having

a “why” makes it easier for you to go that extra mile; to work out even when you’re not feeling your best.

Intrinsic motivators are so unique because they are different for every athlete.

Everyone has a different story and different experiences that have made impressions on them as athletes. Striving to make a lot of money or to be famous will only get you so far. Relying on the unique motivators deep down inside you will separate you from the pack and help you reach your full potential.

Matt Hart is a professional basketball player and former player at George Washington University. When he is not on the court practicing and training he can be found in the weight room challenging is "inner Alpha".

Matt can be found on Instagram at @Matthartskills and on his "The First In Last Out Lifestyle Podcast" on Itunes