Over the past year, I have dedicated hundreds of hours to deeply investigate the notion of unwavering commitment, which I will elaborate on in a series of articles. This exploration involved gathering numerous case studies, analyzing academic research on motivation dating back over a century, and testing how to apply these insights to my life and assist others in doing the same.

This endeavor is the culmination of eight years of intense study of the lessons imparted by history's greatest scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. It's akin to a picture gradually coming into focus, allowing me to articulate concepts I've been grasping for years. Steve Jobs’ famous quote resonates here:

"You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life." — Steve Jobs

I aspire to do justice to the research I've compiled and interweave it into a series that can significantly impact the world.

In essence: This feels like the series I was destined to create. I hope you enjoy it.

Isaac Asimov, who authored over 500 books, stands as one of the most prolific writers in human history and is often regarded as one of the "Big Three" sci-fi authors of his era. Remarkably, he did not adhere to conventional practices such as setting goals, establishing deadlines, or employing time management strategies.

This contradicts what one might expect based on standard wisdom. Observing his interview might lead one to believe he lacks any structured system.

Every segment of the interview is laden with hidden nuances: Interviewer: It seems like you’re in some sort of race. Isaac Asimov: Well, I’m not. It seems so, but it isn’t so. Actually, what it amounts to is that I’m not happy except when I’m writing. It’s almost the only way I can think of to spend my time pleasantly. And so I’m naturally drawn to the typewriter at all times. The day is lost in which I don’t type.

Interviewer: Deadlines hold no terror for you? Isaac Asimov: No, because I know that if I have an article to write, I can generally write it without trouble whenever I sit down.

Interviewer: It’s a book a month? Isaac Asimov: For the last four and a half years, it has been a book a month. It’s not something that I’ve set for myself as a goal. I just worked it back and said, “My goodness. It’s a book a month!”

Throughout the dialogue, the interviewer’s assumptions reflect conventional wisdom regarding achievement: If someone consistently outputs a high volume of work, it must stem from setting goals and employing time management techniques. Asimov, however, appears to operate under an entirely different paradigm.

What explains this? How does a figure of such prolific creativity forgo basic time management techniques? Is he merely eccentric, or is there a deeper lesson about the flaws in traditional views on time management and success?

My extensive analysis of top entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives over the past eight years reveals that Asimov’s motivation system is not an anomaly among high achievers; it is, in fact, the norm. Moreover, the guidance we impart regarding motivation, habits, and time management is often contrary to the practices of top performers.

We urgently require a new framework for understanding greatness, creativity, and career satisfaction that reflects how world-class achievers attain their success. This article will outline the contours of this new model by examining the unconventional beliefs of exceptional figures such as Isaac Asimov, Jerry Seinfeld, Barbara Cartland, Richard Feynman, Ray Bradbury, and Albert Einstein.

Let's now delve into the second exhibit: an enlightening exchange with the legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld, which is invaluable to understanding this perspective.

Exhibit #2: Jerry Seinfeld and the Distinct Mindset of Aspiring Comedians

In a segment from the documentary "Comedian," we witness a revealing dialogue between Seinfeld and a 29-year-old comedian in a club setting. Key moments include:

Young Comedian: I'm 29. I feel like I’ve sacrificed so much of my life. The last three years have been a blur. Seinfeld [puzzled]: Do you have something else you would rather have been doing? You got other appointments or other places you gotta be? Young Comedian: Not necessarily, but I see all my friends are making a lot of money on Wall Street. Seinfeld [scrunches his nose in confusion]: What?!? Young Comedian: I’ve seen that my friends are moving up and I’m worried. Jerry Seinfeld [shocked]: They’re moving up!?!? Are you out of your mind? This has nothing to do with your friends. This is a special thing. This has nothing to do with “making it” or…

At this moment, Seinfeld's disbelief is palpable. He later recounts a story about the Glenn Miller Orchestra forced to land in a field during a storm, trudging through the snow to reach their gig, only to glimpse a family enjoying a cozy evening by the fire. In that moment, one band member exclaims:

“How do people live like that?”

This anecdote encapsulates Seinfeld's contrasting outlook on life. On the surface, his relentless commitment to comedy may appear burdensome, yet he finds joy in his craft, valuing personal satisfaction over societal expectations.

In essence, Seinfeld challenges the young comedian's approach, which revolves around:

• Worrying about others’ perceptions
• Measuring personal progress against peers
• Seeking validation from parents or society
• Sacrificing present enjoyment for future success

Conversely, he emphasizes:

• A focus on the creative process rather than accomplishments
• Living in the moment rather than fixating on the future
• Prioritizing self-approval over external validation

For Seinfeld, “making it” is synonymous with the opportunity to hone his craft, with traditional success being a bonus rather than the main goal.

Despite their differing industries and eras, Seinfeld and Asimov share surprising similarities.

Consider the case of Barbara Cartland, one of the most prolific authors you may not know, who published 763 books and sold over 700 million copies. In a 1977 interview at age 75, the interviewer questions her work ethic:

"What really makes me wonder is why you keep on writing them, Barbara?"

Cartland's response underscores her passion:

"Well darling…"

While the interviewer finds it perplexing that Cartland continues to work tirelessly after immense success, for her, writing is an intrinsic joy. Even at 75, she:

• Produces several books annually
• Responds to thousands of fan letters
• Advocates for her causes

Cartland exemplifies the same pattern observed with Asimov and Seinfeld, illustrating that her dedication to hard work stems from a love for her craft, ultimately leading to her success.

The narrative of her career follows this sequence:

Devotion ? Hard Work Over Decades ? Skill and Body of Work ? Success

In contrast, the interviewer’s perspective is reversed:

Goal ? Strategy ? Discipline ? Focus ? Success ? Pursuing What You Love

This conventional paradigm asserts that to achieve significant goals, one must establish large objectives, devise strategies, exert discipline, and maintain focus, ultimately leading to success, which then permits the pursuit of passion.

However, Cartland exemplifies the "infinite game," driven by devotion rather than discipline, in contrast to the finite game characterized by external pressures.

The finite game compels individuals to labor through tasks they may not enjoy for future rewards, while the infinite game prioritizes discovering what one loves early on, aiming to engage with it continuously.

Exhibit #4: Richard Feynman's Disdain for the Nobel Prize

Nobel Laureate Richard Feynman is celebrated for his enthusiasm and curiosity. In a rare moment of frustration during an interview, he is asked if the Nobel Prize was worth it. His candid response reveals his disinterest in accolades:

“I don’t know anything about the Nobel prize… I don’t like honors… The prize is the pleasure of finding the thing out. The kick in the discovery. The observation. Other people using it. Those are the real things.”

Feynman’s perspective mirrors that of Asimov, Seinfeld, and Cartland: he is driven by intrinsic motivation and the joy of discovery, not by recognition or awards.

As we reflect on these stories, we see the universal theme of Infinite Devotion, which transcends various fields, cultures, and eras. It is a crucial factor for achieving greatness and enduring success.

In the remainder of this series, I will delve deeper into research, implications, and practical steps for fostering Infinite Devotion in our lives. Stay tuned and subscribe for ongoing insights.