"Excuses," my father says, "are an abdication...to step down and give up a major responsibility." His words settled in on the drive back from his surgery. This past week has been an impossible contrast. In the same few days I’ve been navigating hospitals, I also submitted my final manuscript—a huge step toward my goal of becoming an author.

This gave me a moment of clarity. The choice I made two years ago—to be a creator, not a complainer—is what allows me to see this week not as a crisis competing with a milestone, but as a life fully lived. When you stop making excuses, you unlock the capacity to hold it all. The way to do that is to let the light through the gaps, a beauty the Japanese call Komorebi. It’s knowing when to push and when to flow... "Excuses," my father says, "are an abdication...to step down and give up a major responsibility." His words settled in on the drive back from his surgery. This past week has been an impossible contrast. In the same few days I’ve been navigating hospitals, I also submitted my final manuscript—a huge step toward my goal of becoming an author.

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I'm curious—what truly fuels our drive to stay engaged and thrive at work? Lately, I've been pondering what kinds of incentives go beyond financial rewards to spark a deeper connection to our roles. From psychological safety to purpose-driven work, it’s clear that motivation isn't one-size-fits-all. In this piece, I unpack the science and psychology behind effective incentives and share insights on how leaders can foster environments where employees feel valued and empowered. Let's dive into what really keeps us motivated.