This is how I survive usually. I turn whatever externally imposed duty is imposed into something that will tickle my inner curiosity / desire.

Extrinsic motivation, IMO, is akin to an exchange or bargain, you have to develop a sense or skill to know how to make them.

ps: more generally I'm very curious about the topic of 'pedagogics' and also the way to create harmonious, high level work environment between people (all motivated by few years of seeing nothing but drag, pain and waste in too many workplaces). If you know board, MLists or else, ping me.