Many low income, minority schools in California are within 100 points of closing the achievement gap, a prize worth working for no matter how inconvenient, uncomfortable, or risky. In this article, the author describes a better way to motivate educators to try new things that will accelerate student learning and close the achievement gap. The author cites a book by Daniel Pink ("Drive: The Surprising Truth about what Motivates Us") that reveals two sets of condition that motivate people. Pink's book outlines an alternative set of three elements or conditions that do a much better job of motivating individuals intrinsically to try hard, do their best, be successful at whatever they undertake, and do so willingly. These elements are autonomy, mastery, and purpose.