What REALLY motivates you in your business - the success or the money?

123 replies
Back in my former life I remember applying for jobs and meeting with the HR team as they run through the standardised questions for finding the perfect employee.

Over years I feel like I mastered answering the questions to a tee - I figure you know what they want to hear, give them what they want to hear, and usually you're onto the next stage of the recruitment process.

More often than not, one of the questions early on in the piece to sift out the stragglers in the line up for the job was "What really motivates you in your work"

They used to like an answer to be one of the following answers:

- I motivated by working with a successful team
- I am motivated by the people around me and being in a company that likes to reach goals
- I am motivated by KPI's
- I am motivated to exceed my manager's expectations
- I am motivated by being in a company that is the best in the industry

However now that the shoe's on the other foot and I don't work for the big guys but wholly and solely for myself, I wonder how I would answer this question if a friend asked me over a beer... really honestly, what would my answer be?

Am I motivated by the money
Am I motivated by the freedom
Am I motivated by the fact that I can wear my PJ's all day if I like
Am I motivated by the fact that I can travel and work without having to ask for annual leave
Am I motivated by the fact that I can work less hours or more hours and earn as much as I want based on my needs only

I can't really say which is the biggest motivator - but I can safely say that the freedom, the money and the ability to run my own show could come equal first in my life.

What's your motivation ?
#business #money #motivates #success
  • Profile picture of the author shaunybb
    Hey good thread


    My motivation is helping people to change their lives and improve it
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    • Profile picture of the author BlozFu
      Excellent answer. And this really should be at the core of your business mission statement. If you help others it will also help you.
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      • Profile picture of the author Samantha123
        I love how you are motivated to bring a change in people's lives and this shows that you are compassionate to bring a change
        Why don't you start a blog regarding it and start helping people all over. It will create a lot of traffic and then eventually include affiliate marketing with your blog and you can even make money out of it. Such good people are really needed in this world. Good luck
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by shaunybb View Post

      Hey good thread


      My motivation is helping people to change their lives and improve it
      Well that's a pretty cool motivation - how do you do this? Do you mean through employing people or through other means?
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  • Profile picture of the author RefuseToLose
    There's a reason why some people do things, and the reason they tell other people.

    Most people aren't motivated by the money. That's just the results of being successful.

    A lot of people I talked to over the years can trace their start in this business back to wanting approval or proving someone else wrong.

    Maybe they want to be successful so their parents / family / loved ones look at them with admiration and are happy with their accomplishments.

    Or maybe they are trying to prove to someone that they aren't failures, that they will be successful and do more.

    If you look at most successful entrepreneur's backstories, their motivation is rarely about the money, the real drive that keeps them moving forward is some deep seated emotion that they have to validate.

    That's what my motivation was. I was seeking approval from my father who thought I wouldn't be able to be successful without going the traditional route.

    I proved him wrong, and the greatest reward I've ever gotten out of being successful online was not the money, but my fathers approval of what I was doing...

    On his death bed he said he was proud of me and what I had accomplished. He wasn't worried about my mother struggling after he was gone. I would be there to take care of her.

    That was my personal motivation.
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    • Profile picture of the author Samantha123
      I agree people drive through motivation and everyone's motivation is different you got it from your father and for you it was more important. A lot of times extrinsic motivation doesn't work for people and they strive for intrinsic motivation since youve gotten that I think there could be nothing better than it. Keep at it and you'll reach new heights very soon
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    • Profile picture of the author theimunderground
      I can relate to this. Although, my personal experience has been more of a 50-50 of love and wanting to prove a point.

      In high school, I was often told by teachers that I wouldn't amount to much. Right before college, I got really pissed off by that, but instead of deciding to let the negative energy take control, I decided to turn it into something good and set an example for others. Here I am currently with no high school diploma (GED), no college degree, and multiple high six to low seven figure businesses.

      My motivation was a mixture of things, but if I had to narrow it down, it would be the love for my friends and family that created my business passion.

      Originally Posted by RefuseToLose View Post

      There's a reason why some people do things, and the reason they tell other people.

      Most people aren't motivated by the money. That's just the results of being successful.

      A lot of people I talked to over the years can trace their start in this business back to wanting approval or proving someone else wrong.

      Maybe they want to be successful so their parents / family / loved ones look at them with admiration and are happy with their accomplishments.

      Or maybe they are trying to prove to someone that they aren't failures, that they will be successful and do more.

      If you look at most successful entrepreneur's backstories, their motivation is rarely about the money, the real drive that keeps them moving forward is some deep seated emotion that they have to validate.

      That's what my motivation was. I was seeking approval from my father who thought I wouldn't be able to be successful without going the traditional route.

      I proved him wrong, and the greatest reward I've ever gotten out of being successful online was not the money, but my fathers approval of what I was doing...

      On his death bed he said he was proud of me and what I had accomplished. He wasn't worried about my mother struggling after he was gone. I would be there to take care of her.

      That was my personal motivation.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
        Originally Posted by theimunderground View Post

        In high school, I was often told by teachers that I wouldn't amount to much. Right before college, I got really pissed off by that, but instead of deciding to let the negative energy take control, I decided to turn it into something good and set an example for others. Here I am currently with no high school diploma (GED), no college degree, and multiple high six to low seven figure businesses.

        My motivation was a mixture of things, but if I had to narrow it down, it would be the love for my friends and family that created my business passion.
        Whatever you think motivates you is great for you but here is the problem in message with your take and RefuseToLose.

        Making money was still the scoreboard. I've bolded where you stated this. RefuseToLose was a little bit more subtle - he wanted Dad to be proud of him. However Dad's (perfectly understandable) value of success in business was tied to making money. Would Dad have been proud of RTL in business if he had only bankruptcy as a track record? Dubious.

        I think another thing at play in this thread is some people are thinking "excess money" instead of money.

        Basic needs of food, place to live and not walking around naked all the time doesn't require excessive money but still requires money.
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        • Profile picture of the author RefuseToLose
          Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post

          Whatever you think motivates you is great for you but here is the problem in message with your take and RefuseToLose.

          Making money was still the scoreboard. I've bolded where you stated this. RefuseToLose was a little bit more subtle - he wanted Dad to be proud of him. However Dad's (perfectly understandable) value of success in business was tied to making money. Would Dad have been proud of RTL in business if he had only bankruptcy as a track record? Dubious.

          I think another thing at play in this thread is some people are thinking "excess money" instead of money.

          Basic needs of food, place to live and not walking around naked all the time doesn't require excessive money but still requires money.

          You are still missing the point...

          The question was about motivators. Money can motivate you (tends to be the motivator for people who don't have any money, everyone should keep that in mind). But money is a terrible motivator...

          Shortsighted people go... "My life sucks, I'm a failure at everything I do. If I only had a million dollars my life would be perfect! Ok my new goal in life is to make a million dollars by next year!" and then their motivator becomes "Make a million dollars in a year".

          They think once they reach that threshold, their life will become everything they ever dreamed of.

          They are motivated by the money. This magic number in their mind they want to achieve...

          But you know what ends up happening to people who get stuck in that mentality that money is the ultimate motivator?

          When they start working towards their goal and realize they aren't making any of that "money". Their motivation to keep pushing forward crumbles, because...

          Money is a shitty motivator!

          Money is a tool. Most people have no real emotional connection to money. You might feel great with a wallet full of money, but do you think that feeling will last forever? What happens if the next time you open your wallet, it's half as full? Will you still be happy?

          Money can easily demotivate you just as much as it can motivate you...

          The real question you should be asking yourself is...

          Why is your current situation shitty that you want to change it so much?

          Is it because you're lazy and you can't follow through with anything so you sit on the couch all day dreaming about having a million dollars?

          Sounds like the majority of people in this industry.

          You really think those people are going to be motivated by a magic number in their head to change their life?

          No.

          It takes something more to push someone into changing their lives for the better.

          Only when you dig deep down and find the real emotional reasons why you want to change your life will you find something greater than money to be motivated by.

          And it won't be a fleeting motivation that gets destroyed every time you fail to make that little number in your head go up.

          Money is a terrible motivator. Find something better.
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          • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
            Originally Posted by RefuseToLose View Post

            You are still missing the point...
            No.. you are. You have some idea in your head that money equals excess money not the money people pay to feed their kids, pay a mortgage and have a home and pay for medical bills.

            The question was about motivators. Money can motivate you (tends to be the motivator for people who don't have any money, everyone should keep that in mind). But money is a terrible motivator...
            prove it not pronounce it like your saying so makes it so. People get up every day and spend 8-12 hours working even jobs they don't like to get what? money. BILLIONs are motivated perfectly fine by it. That evidence is overwhelming and you have nothing to counteract it.


            ghted people go... "My life sucks, I'm a failure at everything I do. If I only had a million dollars my life would be perfect! Ok my new goal in life is to make a million dollars by next year!" and then their motivator becomes "Make a million dollars in a year".
            See? my point proven...you are talking excess money not money. You are talking about being rich not having the MONEY to take care of things you need to take care of - long term needs of your family and securing their future. I sense the problem is some of you are a little too young to have any responsibilities. You think everyone motivated to get and keep money (rebutting your claim that only people that don't have it are motivated by it) is just to have a good life for themselves. You'll see it differently as you mature.

            The real question you should be asking yourself is...
            i am already asking myself the real question

            Why can't you get it through your head that saying money motivates you does not necessarily means its a motivator to have excess just to have what you need. It can and often does have nothing to do with hitting a million dollar mark but being able to take care of the very real physical needs of those around you.
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      • Profile picture of the author james flynn
        Originally Posted by theimunderground View Post

        I can relate to this. Although, my personal experience has been more of a 50-50 of love and wanting to prove a point.

        In high school, I was often told by teachers that I wouldn't amount to much. Right before college, I got really pissed off by that, but instead of deciding to let the negative energy take control, I decided to turn it into something good and set an example for others. Here I am currently with no high school diploma (GED), no college degree, and multiple high six to low seven figure businesses.

        My motivation was a mixture of things, but if I had to narrow it down, it would be the love for my friends and family that created my business passion.
        'Good business is all about personal relationships'. I came across this awesome quote from a movie called ' Jerry Mcguire' and since then I have been trying to build up something similar in my life. Degree doesn't teach you how to talk with your clients or to maintain a prosperous business relationship. It's your passion and courage that keeps the wheels turning.
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  • Profile picture of the author Edwin Torres
    A mix of both. I'm motivated to be rich and make a lot of money but I want to be successful and know "I MADE IT". My real driving force is regret and is something that keeps me going everyday.
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    • Profile picture of the author Samantha123
      Motivation to become rich eventually dies down if you don't get it. I think alongside that there should be something else which keeps you motivated to work towards your goals in life. If you look deep inside what do you think will motivate you more in that regard? Family? Friends? Loved one? Or maybe your own self
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  • Profile picture of the author fvigil
    My motivation is my family..

    I do everything to help them..
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    • Profile picture of the author Samantha123
      That's the best kind of motivation you can get really I've seen people achieving so much when their families are supportive and encouraging what more could a person want from life really. Having a loving family does the job and makes it all so much better. What do you think
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  • Profile picture of the author TroyCo
    I really get a big sense of significance by creating things that help people

    Also by people I care about seeing what I'm doing, gives me validation.

    And the desire for growth and helping others feel accomplished.
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    • Profile picture of the author Samantha123
      Desire for growth is really good but I think you need to set up short term and ping term goals in order to measure that how else would you know you're on the right track? Set up goals and work towards those and growth will come alongside. You need to define what growth is for you, because it's different for everyone and what might be growth for me might not be for you. So look into that and work towards it
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  • Profile picture of the author Vinh Giang
    My motivation is a mix of both But I think helping people is more important
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
    Any poster above or below this that doesn't say the money is a liar.

    I have never heard a totally broke homeless person referred to as a success in their business.

    You CAN be a success AS A PERSON without money but in your business which makes no money?

    Cut the Malarkey.
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    • Profile picture of the author kilgore
      Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post

      Any poster above or below this that doesn't say the money is a liar.

      I have never heard a totally broke homeless person referred to as a success in their business.

      You CAN be a success AS A PERSON without money but in your business which makes no money?

      Cut the Malarkey.
      It's an older book, but I'd encourage you to read "Founders at Work: Stories of Startups' Early Days" (See: https://www.amazon.com/Founders-Work.../dp/1430210788).

      In reading that book, one of the things that struck me was just how little money was a motivation for so many startup founders. Instead what motivated them was a desire to change the world -- not in some idealistic, Kumbaya, let's join a commune sort of way -- but in their desire to innovate, to experiment and to make a real impact on real people's lives. That impact might be the way people were able to communicate with each other (e.g., the founders of Hotmail), the way people shop (e.g., Amazon.com) or the way people find information (e.g., Google). Watch Steve Jobs introducing the iPhone in this video: (It's long, so I'd recommend just watching the beginning where he identifies the problem and shows just how revolutionary the iPhone is going to be.)

      Do you really think Jobs is motivated most by all the money he's going to make? Or is it that he's just created a truly game changing product? (A quote from that video: "What we want to do is make a leapfrog product that is way smarter than any mobile device has ever been and super easy to use. This is what iPhone is." Now THAT is motivation!)

      All this isn't to say that earning money isn't important or necessary -- as you rightly mention a business can't survive without money. But saying that money is the main motivation for business is a little like saying that food is the main motivation for people, because people can't survive without food. Of course you have to eat, but clearly there's a lot more to living than just eating. And just like a person who's primary focus is food, if a business's motivation is limited to money, that business is going to find itself in very bad health. Money is just a byproduct of a great product, great service and great marketing. If those three things don't motivate you you're not likely to make much money -- no matter how motivating you find money to be.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
        Originally Posted by kilgore View Post

        It's an older book, but I'd encourage you to read "Founders at Work: Stories of Startups' Early Days" (See: https://www.amazon.com/Founders-Work.../dp/1430210788).
        In reading that book, one of the things that struck me was just how little money was a motivation for so many startup founders. Instead what motivated them was a desire to change the world -- not in some idealistic, Kumbaya, let's join a commune sort of way -- but in their desire to innovate, to experiment and to make a real impact on real people's lives.
        every now and again someone forgets where they are a goes off into some meandering philosophical academic "We are the world" lecture to tickle their intellect with a feather as if they are making a good point. Forgive me - Look Up Kilgore. Is this inventors class? Or is this an internet marketing board? Now come back to the real world - that book you are recommending I read - take a look at The cover....see those name of the Companies?

        ALMOST ALL OF THEM TOOK IN SERIOUS VENTURE CAPITAL MONEY.

        Paypal...EXCITE....Yahoo.....Viaweb.

        Of course these founders could all concentrate on innovation - BECAUSE THEY WERE ALREADY GETTING PAID. Its oh so obvious.


        That impact might be the way people were able to communicate with each other (e.g., the founders of Hotmail), the way people shop (e.g., Amazon.com) or the way people find information (e.g., Google). Watch Steve Jobs introducing the iPhone in this video: [HD] Steve Jobs - iPhone Introduction in 2007 (Complete) - YouTube
        Your point died a thousand deaths when you included Apple and Steve Jobs. If apple and Jobs didn't care about the money, the Mac and all their products wouldn't be as expensive as they are, and Jobs and company would not have locked up the Mac OS in such a way to make it proprietary and closed to this day.

        revolutionize the world Apple . If its not about the money open source the OS or at least have an open system. Instead they try to make it illegal to run their OS on anything else but their machines. No...get the Steve Jobs was God stars out of your eye - its about the money alright.

        Do you really think Jobs is motivated most by all the money he's going to make?
        No because he was already getting paid - you are in his post motivation world. Pay anyone here ten million dollars a year and, that motivation dealt with, of course we will all say - innovation is key.

        Your analysis lacks depth and is based on sound bites. Do you really think someone like Job would have just laughed if the board said -"we are taking back all your stock, taking back your pay over the years and Steve just work for us out of the love of innovation he would not have abandoned ship and gone somewhere else?

        Where are all these Mother Theresa innovators who say no to the cash in these corporations? think Kilgore....think.

        Millionaires always say its about innovation - after they are either on their way or already got the millions. Don't be so gullible.

        But saying that money is the main motivation for business is a little like saying that food is the main motivation for people, because people can't survive without food
        not even close of an analogy. A business that does not take in money is not DEFINED as a business. Its a charity. To use your food analogy its like saying food is not important to cooking.

        And just like a person who's primary focus is food, if a business's motivation is limited to money, that business is going to find itself in very bad health
        only problem is that's a strawman you are rebutting - no one ever said anything about business motivation being limited to money. The question was what motivates more IN A BUSINESS and since a business exists to take in money even if the owner as a human being doesn't I stick by my answer as being just plain logic. For a business its the most important thing. A business that does not make profit is not a successful business. It might however be a great charity

        Its amazing to have to point out the obvious

        Money is just a byproduct of a great product, great service and great marketing. If those three things don't motivate you you're not likely to make much money -- no matter how motivating you find money to be.
        again strawman. the question was what motivates more in a business - at no point does it demand that nothing else motivates you in life or in business. Nor does it demand you ignore great products or services. A few people like yourself are confusing the issue as if anyone is saying money is all that is important in life or should be anyone's main goal.

        Money is waay down on my important things in life..Family...faith..Fellow man all matter more

        but my business - you all can keep on smoking whatever you are smoking - had best make money. Thats its main job and when it gets fired we don't call it a success

        We call it bankruptcy.
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        • Profile picture of the author PPG19
          Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post


          Your point died a thousand deaths when you included Apple and Steve Jobs. If apple and Jobs didn't care about the money, the Mac and all their products wouldn't be as expensive as they are, and Jobs and company would not have locked up the Mac OS in such a way to make it proprietary and closed to this day.

          revolutionize the world Apple . If its not about the money open source the OS or at least have an open system. Instead they try to make it illegal to run their OS on anything else but their machines. No...get the Steve Jobs was God stars out of your eye - its about the money alright.
          I agree Steve Jobs was super greedy. I like him a lot but never understood why people called him an innovator. Tablets existed way before the Ipad.

          To me it was a great Marketer.
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          • Profile picture of the author DABK
            Didn't Moses write the 10 commandments on a tablet?

            Originally Posted by PPG19 View Post

            I agree Steve Jobs was super greedy. I like him a lot but never understood why people called him an innovator. Tablets existed way before the Ipad.

            To me it was a great Marketer.
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  • Originally Posted by BlossMart View Post

    What's your motivation ?
    Definitely the money - Money motivates me to continue with what I'm doing; and

    On the other hand, what inspires me are the things that my family and I can do with that money.
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    • Profile picture of the author Samantha123
      Well then you can question does money really bring in happiness? Can you buy happiness with money? What would do with all the money in the world if you don't have anyone to share it with. I've seen millionaires who aren't happy in their lives even though they have so much money. How would you explain that?
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  • Profile picture of the author dana67
    I am motivated by the money, the freedom, and loving what I do.
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  • When people make significant money they always come up with other reasons, simply cause they are already used to the money.

    I bet my life on it that everyone was initially motivated by the money.

    I still remember being kind of on tilt when my business really started to boom, couldn't believe it was for real and jumped a hole in the air.

    IM'ers that say they like to help others are in fact only helping their selves, the other person they help comes as a good second or third if he's lucky.
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    • Profile picture of the author Samantha123
      Yes I agree when you have all the money in the world what else would motivate you then? There has to be something which is deeper and you can feel connected to it in order to remain motivated and get what you want in life. Self actualisation is very difficult to achieve but once you do what more could you want.
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  • Profile picture of the author xxxJamesxxx
    For me personally... Financial freedom.

    The ability to wake up every morning and to never worry about paying the bills, mortgage etc.

    It's a MASSIVE stress reliever when you can remove money from things to stress about.

    Also, I treat internet marketing as a game and the money I make as "points".

    This way, I'm always trying to beat my current best score which makes its a lot more fun, as a result :-)

    James Scholes
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  • Profile picture of the author FriendlyRob
    Work toward helping others and the money will follow
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  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    I'm inclined to say helping as many others as I can and knowing by doing this I will help myself along the way as well.

    GOAL : Both Money and having Purpose beyond making that Money



    - Robert Andrew
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  • Profile picture of the author 4hdddd
    Awesome thread. Thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author desireedavid
    If you do what you love, then the money will naturally follow.

    I have to be honest in saying that I am motivated by both. I like how I can tell people that I started from scratch, and that now, I earn enough to maintain a comfortable life and travel from time to time.
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  • Profile picture of the author ByEdvin
    This has been my biggest motivation

    From the Movie / Book; Fight Club

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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    1. the money - and choosing my own work hours

    2. the ability to ignore people who write on red backgrounds telling me what I SHOULD do..
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  • Profile picture of the author onlineworker11
    The freedom but also the money because money brings the freedom
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Here's a fun exercise:

    After each answer about what motivates you, ask the question "Why?"

    If you can answer the question, then the real motivation is something deeper than what you're acknowledging.

    For instance: "I am motivated for the freedom that Internet business offers me."

    So answer the question "why?" What is it about having freedom that is so important to you? Is it because you hate being told what to do and how to spend your time? Is it because you have other things you'd rather be doing? Is it because you are a creative person and can't stand to locked in a box with structure?

    You see, if you can answer the "why" about something that motivates you, there is really a deeper motivating reason or factor than what you've stated.

    I know I'm going to get Mike's bloodpressure boiling when I say that money is rarely the ultimate motivator. He has already called me a liar.

    But why is money the motivator? Is it so you can get out of debt? or so you can feed and shelter your family? or so you don't have to live in a dumpy apartment? or so you can buy that Lambo you've dreamed of? or quit working 12 hours a day and retire on the beach? What will the money do for you? Why are you working so hard for it?

    I believe your answers to "why" expose your real underlying motivations.

    No Mike, I will not argue this point with you. I'm just giving my opinion and it's different than yours.

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
      Originally Posted by Steve B View Post


      I know I'm going to get Mike's bloodpressure boiling when I say that money is rarely the ultimate motivator. He has already called me a liar.
      Steve
      Sorry Steve a poster here rarely can get my blood pressure up and all you are doing is forgetting what money is - no one is motivated by paper so of course money represents something else. It represents the ability to exchange for food, put a roof over my head, pay my medical bills , take care of family.

      Its just sooo funny to read MMO marketers with their sigs in full display acting like money is some evil (love of it is another thing all together). When can we expect all free products and services from you guys?....lol

      Saying money is not the ultimate motivator is not worth me even addressing further. the whole point of money is to exchange it for something else and anyone that says the ability to eat, have a pace to sleep, not getting wet when it rains, take care of their family is not what drives them to work yep

      is just lying to themselves.
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnVianny
    MOTIVATION?

    For me is the ability of every enterpreneur to GIVE SOLUTION, to a problem.

    People have a problem, you have the solution: so you give VALUE to fix that problem, and u overleverage it.

    Thats the reward.
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  • Profile picture of the author RefuseToLose
    Money is a terrible motivator...

    And people who say money motivates them need to do what Steve said above...

    Money is just one of the by-products of being successful. If you believe money is what really motivates you... then there's probably a reason why you don't have any...

    Dig deeper and find the real reason behind your motivation to succeed...
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  • Profile picture of the author DABK
    How are success in business and money mutually exclusive when the money is the measuring stick of business success?
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  • Profile picture of the author Zohaib Jahan
    Well, everyone has its own way of thinking. So It varies person to person how they get motivated.

    People get motivated when they are satisfied. Some become happy on their achievements and some on getting money.
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  • Profile picture of the author gpacx
    There are a lot of people in business, and an equal amount of reasons that people want to be successful in business. My personal equation is perhaps a little less complex then what most people would put out there as a reason, but I came up with it about 8 months ago in a goal-setting meeting with my manager at the time.

    The expectation was that we would do 4-quadrant goal setting together, talking about what I wanted to achieve financially, career-wise, in terms of personal development etc. A major competitor had opened up down the street and our business was suffering - it was getting difficult to set goals when we understood that it would be harder than ever to hit our bonuses and get the money we wanted.

    I told him: "My two goals in business are to be happy and to not suck", and that statement holds true to this very day. I want to go into work feeling like a valuable member of the team and feeling like I'm making a key contribution that's holding the business together. If I'm working towards that and getting no recognition at the end of it, the business could be growing 100% monthly and I'd still feel like a failure.

    Money is important, but recognition and the feeling of a job well done are much more worthwhile objectives for me than just the money alone. It's important for me to feel like I'm doing good work and I'm valued by other members of my team.
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  • Profile picture of the author dolius
    You also have to be motivated for your product itself and for the process of bringing products to life. I know a lot of marketers who are making good money but they know little about their product and can not relate to it.
    If you are a marketer, you may feel more connected with a marketing product than say, a cooking product, but if you are a kitchen fanatic you will love creating cookbooks and so your work will feel pleasant.
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    You know what I like better than motivation? Lamborghinis.
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  • Profile picture of the author aizaku
    fear of the dreaded 9 to 5 keeps that fire lit for me..


    -Ike Paz
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  • Profile picture of the author petekremer
    I am motivated by helping others grow their businesses. Money is nice too.
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  • Profile picture of the author norahwhitlow
    A little bit motivated by money and mostly the success that I picture for my own.
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  • Profile picture of the author skymann
    You will find a lot of the top entrepreneurs do it for the thrill of succes, the money comes second.
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  • Profile picture of the author FutureSiliconCEO
    Hey man, thats a great thread and a really interesting question.

    For me its a great question because id imagine that most super driven people usually never try to understand the nature of their drive or why they continue to work towards their goals relentlessly.

    This super driven state of mind that you'd see in super competitive people seems like a civilized expression of a primal instinct and when it goes bad it reminds me of the monkey trap where people would put a banana inside a glass jar.

    A monkey would come along and then reach his or her hand into the jar to take the banana. With the banana in his hand, the monkey wold not be able to remove his hand from the jar and would keep hold of the banana, with his hand inside the jar until the hunter came and found him.

    Anyway thats a bit of a tangent but I guess the point is that understading the forces that drive you and what they want is a massive key to successfully reaching your goals and not letting your drive and desires take you for a ride.

    I think knowing from the outset what it is you want will help you to easily identify what you are willing to do to get whatever it is that you want, and more importantly whatever it is that you don't want.

    It's like that line in the film "A Most Violent Year" (superb by the way). Where the protagonist is facing a crucial point in the future of his business and literally everything is falling down around him - his family recieve death threats form competitors, his employees get shot at, his clients are pulling out etc, the FBI are rooting around in his affairs but he keeps going towards his goal. His lawyer and confidant asks him at one point why he wants all this so badly, why he has to achieve his goals above all else and he just looks at him, thinks for a while and says "I don't understand what you mean"

    Again, that's another tangent, two tangents in one post, I think ive outdone myself this time for sure. But theres a point at play here for sure - understand the beast within because that beast understands you. or something like that.
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  • Profile picture of the author luciesmazanska
    My motivation has always been about money, but not in the way you would think.
    The twist on the story is that I derive my business power from knowing that I am
    helping people to save money.
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  • Profile picture of the author james flynn
    Originally Posted by BlossMart View Post

    Back in my former life I remember applying for jobs and meeting with the HR team as they run through the standardised questions for finding the perfect employee.

    Over years I feel like I mastered answering the questions to a tee - I figure you know what they want to hear, give them what they want to hear, and usually you're onto the next stage of the recruitment process.

    More often than not, one of the questions early on in the piece to sift out the stragglers in the line up for the job was "What really motivates you in your work"

    They used to like an answer to be one of the following answers:

    - I motivated by working with a successful team
    - I am motivated by the people around me and being in a company that likes to reach goals
    - I am motivated by KPI's
    - I am motivated to exceed my manager's expectations
    - I am motivated by being in a company that is the best in the industry

    However now that the shoe's on the other foot and I don't work for the big guys but wholly and solely for myself, I wonder how I would answer this question if a friend asked me over a beer... really honestly, what would my answer be?

    Am I motivated by the money
    Am I motivated by the freedom
    Am I motivated by the fact that I can wear my PJ's all day if I like
    Am I motivated by the fact that I can travel and work without having to ask for annual leave
    Am I motivated by the fact that I can work less hours or more hours and earn as much as I want based on my needs only

    I can't really say which is the biggest motivator - but I can safely say that the freedom, the money and the ability to run my own show could come equal first in my life.

    What's your motivation ?
    My main motivation is to do well enough to achieve financial freedom for the rest of my life and to generate a source of income that's more sustainable and less susceptible to be deteriorated by crumbling financial situation of the country. If I achieve all of that then I can say that I have done well for myself
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Thanks to everyone for commenting - it's great to hear all about what motivates you.

      My the sounds of it, we're not surprisingly all motivated for so many different reasons the beauty is we can all use IM to reach out goals and that is certainly a beautiful thing.

      Here's a list of the motivations jotted down - and to be honest I am motivated by all of these in one way or another:

      - Personal motivation - proving people wrong
      - Motivated by 'Making It'
      - Motivated to help your family
      - Motivated by self validation
      - Motivated by growth and accomplishment
      - Motivated by financial freedom
      - Motivated to be happy
      - Motivated by the fear of 9 to 5
      - Motivated by helping others
      - Motivated by the thrill of success
      - Motivated to help people save money
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        Looks like Samantha123 bot got stuck, doesn't it?

        Personal motivation - proving people wrong
        - Motivated by 'Making It'
        Interesting the first two items are about other people...what they think, how they see you, 'showing them'....

        Other people don't pay nearly as much attention to you as you think they do. Waste of time/effort to focus on "proving people wrong" or "making it" so others will be impressed.

        I've always been motivated by having a mortgage to pay and family to support - pretty simple. Not afraid of a 9-5 at all - nothing to prove to anyone - like my freedom of time and the ability to earn what I'm capable ot with no limits.

        People make this stuff far too difficult in their own minds....
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        One secret to happiness is to let every situation be
        what it is instead of what you think it should be.
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        • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
          Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

          Looks like Samantha123 bot got stuck, doesn't it?

          Interesting the first two items are about other people...what they think, how they see you, 'showing them'....

          Other people don't pay nearly as much attention to you as you think they do. Waste of time/effort to focus on "proving people wrong" or "making it" so others will be impressed.

          I've always been motivated by having a mortgage to pay and family to support - pretty simple. Not afraid of a 9-5 at all - nothing to prove to anyone - like my freedom of time and the ability to earn what I'm capable ot with no limits.

          People make this stuff far too difficult in their own minds....
          Yep, I would have to agree with your Kay. Personally I don't really have a massive desire to do this for anyone else to prove anything, well not in a narky way.

          Sure, I like that my parents are proud of me for getting a better balance and taking control of my own career

          Making it for me is defined by being able to have a comfortable life. I agree with you, as long as I have enough to cover my mortgage and expenses plus a bit more to save, then I am just about in my happy place.

          I find it interesting though now how back in the day I was a bit of a robot and now I can say and do pretty much whatever is actually on my mind, which is all a little liberating.

          I guess whatever is motivating you, as long as you are motivated and making an honest living that makes you happy and fulfilled that is the key.
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          • Profile picture of the author RefuseToLose
            Originally Posted by BlossMart View Post

            Yep, I would have to agree with your Kay. Personally I don't really have a massive desire to do this for anyone else to prove anything, well not in a narky way.

            Sure, I like that my parents are proud of me for getting a better balance and taking control of my own career

            Making it for me is defined by being able to have a comfortable life. I agree with you, as long as I have enough to cover my mortgage and expenses plus a bit more to save, then I am just about in my happy place.

            I find it interesting though now how back in the day I was a bit of a robot and now I can say and do pretty much whatever is actually on my mind, which is all a little liberating.

            I guess whatever is motivating you, as long as you are motivated and making an honest living that makes you happy and fulfilled that is the key.

            This is a perfect example of a bigger problem.

            Do you want to know why most people in this industry will never make a single dollar?

            Because they don't "want" it enough.

            Saying something like this:

            "Making it for me is defined by being able to have a comfortable life. I agree with you, as long as I have enough to cover my mortgage and expenses plus a bit more to save, then I am just about in my happy place. "
            Is a self limiting belief. This is nothing against you BlossMart, I'm glad you are more grounded in your expectations and you are happy with it.

            But to anyone else out there who expects to come into this industry, and half-ass their way to the top... just start looking for a regular job now...

            If you really want the big mansion, cars, and vacations. You have to be prepared to put in the work and put aside instant gratification for a better tomorrow.

            And most people aren't willing to do that.

            They are either content with where they are at... or in the phase of non-content but unwilling to leave their comfort zone to do anything about it.

            This is where the problem of having money as a motivator comes in.

            If you're someone in BlossMart's situation, for example, $10,000 a month extra sounds nice, but getting to that point probably sounds like too much work.

            So instead of being motivated to reach that $10,000 a month goal he has in his mind, He decides to sit around, watch tv, read facebook and post threads on his favorite forum.

            Money doesn't motivate him...

            However what if one day he overheard his mother-in-law call him a lazy bum because he doesn't do enough to provide for his family...

            How angry and pissed off do you think he would be?

            He would do anything just to prove his mother-in-law wrong...

            Now that guy who was just sitting on his ass "working" on his business, now has a fire lit under him.

            He has more than just motivation for more money. He has a burning emotional drive to succeed anyway he can.

            Call it cheesy, call it fake, call it whatever...

            Unless you have some kind of emotional fire that pushes you to succeed everyday, you may as well go work a 9-5 job. Because how can you possibly compete with people who will do anything to succeed... while you only kind of want it...

            If you don't have a real emotional desire that gets you motivated to wake up and get to work... then you need to create one.

            Or keep doing what you're doing... My guess is... it hasn't really been working right?

            So do something about it. Start by changing your thinking...
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
        Its not a website poor soul. Its a flash notice page (which you can read in the sig title) that we have excess leads for people who actually know how to do SEO marketing and they can get clients easily.

        Once again thank you for advertising my sig. Like most newbs you don't know in doing so you only enhance the click throughs. Want to be an affiiate? Might as well make some money if you are making me some.
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      • Profile picture of the author Shana Walters
        I am motivated by money, money, money.

        Gorgeous Lucky Bitch,
        Shana Jahsinta Walters.
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        Write until my fingers fall off. LOL!!!
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      • Profile picture of the author josh wu
        it is always the money!

        money can be used as a score card to measure how success you are at any point of the journal, and you can use the dollar amount to set your weekly, monthly and yearly goal.

        for me, to have a successful online business and become multi-millionaire are two things listed in my "100 things to do before you ...".
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        • Profile picture of the author discrat
          Originally Posted by josh wu View Post

          it is always the money!

          money can be used as a score card to measure how success you are at any point of the journal, and you can use the dollar amount to set your weekly, monthly and yearly goal.

          for me, to have a successful online business and become multi-millionaire are two things listed in my "100 things to do before you ...".
          You know in some weird way I have to admit I do not necessarily disagree with you about "always the Money"

          Now before the rest of you Warriors jump on me... let me explain.

          As I have gotten older in Life I have learned that running a business and being extraordinarily passionate about it has it's limits as far as importance.

          What do I mean ??

          Well ,now that I have a Family with kids things like Freedom of time to be with them, to do Church Activities, to travel to see grand parents, to travel and experience the World are the things that matter the most to me.

          I love my Online Business but compared to those things I just mentioned...well there is NO comparison to those. ( just wait guys, when you have kids and a family, you'll see )

          So yeah it is about making Money and enjoying my business and operating it but the main thing is getting the Money ( so long as I am offering real Value to people) so I have the Time and Freedom to enjoy those things that are truly most important to me


          - Robert Andrew
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          Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Double F's. No not cursing LOL.

    Fun and freedom.

    I do what I do online predominantly for fun, and predominantly to free myself. Both intents keep me doing stuff for the joy and expression of it, which has kept me on course.

    When you focus on any outcome outside of yourself - money, accolades, etc - you lose your true Power. Because all outside, outcomes-based stuff is fleeing. While intents from within are with you, forever. And really, we're all after the feeling anyway, right? The freedom feeling in money, and joy of expressing yourself creatively.

    Experience those feelings now and you can enjoy the journey more freely.

    Ryan
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    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by ryanbiddulph View Post

      Double F's. No not cursing LOL.

      Fun and freedom.

      I do what I do online predominantly for fun, and predominantly to free myself. Both intents keep me doing stuff for the joy and expression of it, which has kept me on course.
      Yep, agree with Ryan. You kind of at least have to have some Fun with it. Iam not saying every minute you do it. But in the grand scheme if you look at what you are doing as TOTAL drudgery then you shouldn't be doing it, imo


      - Robert Andrew
      Signature

      Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

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  • Profile picture of the author toysoldier80
    This is a great discussion because it's easy to speak in CLICHE's and say to work on my own, be successful, live the lifestyle of our dreams, etc.

    But are we really saying everything we learned as a child did not add up to what was being told to us as an adult? Once we grow up and realize we live within a society where many people, like people withing big business, could careless whether we live or die, are successful, or what are dreams are, most of the time they just want to use you so they can live out there dreams and have the time to enjoy life.

    So there is a sense of jealousy when we see people being able to live free. Is that our Dream growing up? For the most part it's get a job, have a family, do good, treat people right, etc. Then along the way we run into the wrong crowd, are lied to over and over again, we get into bad relationships, drugs come into play and we lose focus on what we want. We may come back into focus and now where motivated to be successful and we start blaming others for our downfall. Now where ready to create a lifestyle similar to people who have the big cars, boats, pretty girls and boys, and then we embark on the road to get there. But we are still putting down the 9-5ers as if they aren't Happy with the life that they have created for themselves or the goals of moving up the ladder, or having other endevour's on the side etc. Then you have your volunteers or NON-Profits who are working there dream, living a minimal lifestyle, and could not be more happy as well.

    If you are unhappy with Life don't put down other people or corporations just because it's not they way you like. Sounds childish to me. If we all looked in the mirror I am sure we will find many imperfections that people and corporations could write and talk about in a negative way.
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    • Profile picture of the author jamiednm
      Originally Posted by toysoldier80 View Post

      But we are still putting down the 9-5ers as if they aren't Happy with the life that they have created for themselves or the goals of moving up the ladder, or having other endevour's on the side etc. Then you have your volunteers or NON-Profits who are working there dream, living a minimal lifestyle, and could not be more happy as well.
      Great point. I don't understand the 9-5 mentality. I get why people do it, but I don't understand how people can be truly happy doing it. But that's a reflection of my own perception, because I know I wouldn't look back on my life with pride if I spent most of it sat in an office working at someone else's dreams.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ellen Chedid
    You make an interesting point. I think that motivation is the goal you want to achieve. Like buy a house or travel or buy an investment. But i guess that is kinds of a my over all motivation. But if we are going to be specif and ask what is my my every say motivation, the things that keep me going, then i would it would be the same as you.
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  • Profile picture of the author marydelacroix
    Both financial success (money) and freedom motivate me. I appreciate freedom from corporate politics; freedom to choose what projects to work on versus being assigned to them by a boss; freedom to choose my own clients and fire them.

    In an online business I also appreciate the fact that your salary increase is truly dependent on your performance. You are not limited to a 10% increase but you can actually exponentially grow your salary in a given year.
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  • Profile picture of the author SavvyTeenager
    The thing is, It's not how much money you earn, but it's the ability to earn without going to work 9 - 5. Yes you still work to earn, but you have a heck lot more time to spare, that's why internet the life-style is the best job in the world!
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  • Profile picture of the author RefuseToLose
    I can see you're set in your own way of thinking so I'll leave it at that. Maybe one day you'll 'get it' and start making money.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
      Originally Posted by RefuseToLose View Post

      I can see you're set in your own way of thinking so I'll leave it at that. Maybe one day you'll 'get it' and start making money.
      Maybe one day newbs such as yourself won't come to Wf and pretend they make more money than well established members here but I won't hold my breath.

      Originally Posted by RefuseToLose View Post


      Is a self limiting belief. This is nothing against you BlossMart, I'm glad you are more grounded in your expectations and you are happy with it.

      But to anyone else out there who expects to come into this industry, and half-ass their way to the top... just start looking for a regular job now...

      If you really want the big mansion, cars, and vacations. You have to be prepared to put in the work and put aside instant gratification for a better tomorrow.
      LOL....now we know who is really truly motivated by excess money. If someones goal is to pay their mortgage , have a comfortable life and pursue other things in life then thats their dream and in no way indicates they re "half assing" it.
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      • Profile picture of the author RefuseToLose
        Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post

        Maybe one day newbs such as yourself won't come to Wf and pretend they make more money than well established members here but I won't hold my breath.
        Yea because someone who sits around on WF all day with 10k posts knows how to make money.

        Judging from your website... You probably should of spent your time more wisely.
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        • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
          Originally Posted by RefuseToLose View Post

          Yea because someone who sits around on WF all day with 10k posts knows how to make money.
          Poor soul....maybe one day you will get some understanding of where you are and its history. Many of us senior members got paid pretty well to post here and ended up making $10-$50 a post

          Judging from your website... You probably should of spent your time more wisely.
          I did...I have more than your one click funnel site but thanks for advertising my sig page. If you want I could teach you how to close a client and you could really start making money online especially since youare proving over and over money is your chief motivator (apparently because you don't have it).

          P.S. Basic maths - 10.000 posts over 7 years equals 4 posts a day - if it takes you all day to wrte four posts - my condolences. IM might not be your thing.
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          • Profile picture of the author RefuseToLose
            Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post

            Poor soul....maybe one day you will get some understanding of where you are and its history. Many of us senior members got paid pretty well to post here and ended up making $10-$50 a post



            I did...I have more than your one click funnel but thanks for advertising my sig page. If you want I could teach you how to close a client and you could really start making money online especially since youare proving over and over money is your chief motivator (apparently because you don't have it).

            You should probably do something about this on your amazing website...



            Don't think that adds any confidence in your services when you can't even finish building your website.

            Also all your years online, you probably should of learned that grey text on a black background is pretty hard to read.

            Don't worry, my teachings today were free of charge, but any other advice you need from me might cost ya...
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  • Profile picture of the author Silentcloud
    When I was younger I was quite motivated by money... but after working a job that tied me down although great pay that motivation slowly changed from money to freedom -- I would rather freedom over money.

    I'm not sure what happened exactly, probably just the realization that money is quite literally "paper", and all the value that "money" holds is the value that the people place in it.

    I recognized this in a big way. I turned my focus from chasing money to instead placing all the value I could into my customers / clients. Basically, I put a lot of value into the people I come in contact with and in return I get value back (not necessarily expecting value back, but that's the nature of humans.)

    When you stop chasing the money and instead focus on providing as much value as you can to your customers / clients the money will begin to chase you.

    To answer your question, I'm more motivated by success than money, but success is very vague. Freedom for myself and then my close friends is what really motivates me.
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by Silentcloud View Post

      When I was younger I was quite motivated by money... but after working a job that tied me down although great pay that motivation slowly changed from money to freedom -- I would rather freedom over money.

      I'm not sure what happened exactly, probably just the realization that money is quite literally "paper", and all the value that "money" holds is the value that the people place in it.

      I recognized this in a big way. I turned my focus from chasing money to instead placing all the value I could into my customers / clients. Basically, I put a lot of value into the people I come in contact with and in return I get value back (not necessarily expecting value back, but that's the nature of humans.)

      When you stop chasing the money and instead focus on providing as much value as you can to your customers / clients the money will begin to chase you.

      To answer your question, I'm more motivated by success than money, but success is very vague. Freedom for myself and then my close friends is what really motivates me.
      I understand that the tides do change when you have a family or you get a little older.

      I know I was on a path on the corporate ladder that promised heaps of cash but not a whole lot of freedom. I made the call to chuck it in for more freedom. I hated asking for annual leave, it made me angry that I had to answer to people and explain myself.

      I too stopped chasing the cash as much and started focusing on big picture stuff. While I a less concerned about the money now I like success form time to time, of course it feels good but the movivation is probably knowing that I am doing well, everyone in my family is happier and I am able to do it all in my own time without any pressure.
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  • Profile picture of the author RefuseToLose
    Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post

    Its not a website poor soul. Its a flash notice page (which you can read in the sig title) that we have excess leads for people who actually know how to do SEO marketing and they can get clients easily.

    Once again thank you for advertising my sig. Like most newbs you don't know in doing so you only enhance the click throughs. Want to be an affiiate? Might as well make some money if you are making me some.


    Yea I'm sure people are lining up to do business with a website like that. Maybe that's why you can't 'get it'. You're living in la la land like all the other 'wise' old 10k post sages around here.
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    my why is my family.

    I do not want them to go through the same struggles I had as a child.

    When you find your WHY out, then you will do what needs to be done. Plain and simple.
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by celente View Post

      my why is my family.

      I do not want them to go through the same struggles I had as a child.

      When you find your WHY out, then you will do what needs to be done. Plain and simple.
      I like your WHY Celeste.

      I agree with you and sometimes I realise that it's this motivation that does get me up in the morning to do work when I would rather be sleeping. Good for you for making a better life for your family.
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  • Profile picture of the author amuro
    Neither one of them.

    Freedom is what motivates me.

    As in living my life the way I want,
    Without money worries.

    Of course it is easy for me to say since I am single and have no additional family commitments.

    But if you have family and still building your own business to the financial freedom, then you have every right to voice out your alternate view
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by amuro View Post

      Neither one of them.

      Freedom is what motivates me.

      As in living my life the way I want,
      Without money worries.

      Of course it is easy for me to say since I am single and have no additional family commitments.

      But if you have family and still building your own business to the financial freedom, then you have every right to voice out your alternate view
      So, it seems the answer really is money as you have the freedom that comes with it?

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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
        Originally Posted by BlossMart View Post

        So, it seems the answer really is money as you have the freedom that comes with it?


        Yep. None of these people posting about freedom are locked up in a physical prison thinking a business is going to free them. They are all talking about having The money they need and want so they don't have to work a job.

        Just semantics - still about money.
        Signature

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        • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
          Originally Posted by Mike Anthony View Post

          Yep. None of these people posting about freedom are locked up in a physical prison thinking a business is going to free them. They are all talking about having The money they need and want so they don't have to work a job.

          Just semantics - still about money.
          Interesting as it is almost a little like the chicken and the egg scenario in a way.

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  • Profile picture of the author ivanadee
    I build business to have financial freedom which enables me to have more time with family and also more time to enjoy book and movies
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  • Profile picture of the author Nico Puegher
    None of that.

    Being able to help other people, that's my own motivation.
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by Nico Puegher View Post

      None of that.

      Being able to help other people, that's my own motivation.
      Can you do this without money?
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  • Profile picture of the author atrbiz
    My goal has always been to design and build a website that will have the WOW factor when I hand it off to my clients, also, providing them transparent site support/recommendations on an on-going basis. I'm now closing web dev deals ranging from $10k-$30k+.
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by atrbiz View Post

      My goal has always been to design and build a website that will have the WOW factor when I hand it off to my clients, also, providing them transparent site support/recommendations on an on-going basis. I'm now closing web dev deals ranging from $10k-$30k+.
      So is that success? Or Money. Sounds like a little bit of both.
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      • Profile picture of the author atrbiz
        Originally Posted by BlossMart View Post

        So is that success? Or Money. Sounds like a little bit of both.
        Well, if a business man/women is successful in their business, they usually end up making money ...it goes hand in hand. I didn't start a web development business to become a millionaire, and I'm not a millionaire...yet...but I am making a consistent income and living comfortably. I have a passion for web development and truly consult 1 on 1 with my clients, which is why they accept me as the subject matter expert, thus allowing me to charge $10k-$30k+ for Drupal and Wordpress site builds/support.
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  • Profile picture of the author Julien Fletcher
    Virtuous Success is measured partly by money.

    So Yeh Money.

    J
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnVianny
    Success and Money are the same.

    If you have success in the market, it turns in money.

    Otherwise how can u calculate your success?
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  • Profile picture of the author freshsbc
    My motivation in business is really the desire i have for success and how much i want the people around me to literally lack a thing
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  • Profile picture of the author Robsn
    That's actually a really great question and I have answered it for myself on a piece of paper a couple months ago.

    The question on it was: Why do you want to have a successful online business? (Basically 'what motivates you')

    And I basically wrote down a number of reasons why:

    -Proving that it is possible to make money not the 'traditional' way
    -Have the ability to work from home, whenever I want
    -Not having to work in a 9-5 job
    -Making money every day, consistently
    -Change lives by teaching others how to become successful online and gain financial freedom
    -Be able to buy nice things for me, my family and my significant other
    -Not having to worry about expenses
    -Go on vacations whenever I want to
    -Being that person that succeeds, one of the 3% (97% actually fail at IM)
    -Prove to myself that I CAN do it
    -Having the freedom and time to spend it with people and things I actually love and enjoy

    This is basically my motivation! Printed out and hanging on my wall. (I can recommend that to everyone)

    Great question, thank you!

    -Robert
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by Robsn View Post

      That's actually a really great question and I have answered it for myself on a piece of paper a couple months ago.

      The question on it was: Why do you want to have a successful online business? (Basically 'what motivates you')

      And I basically wrote down a number of reasons why:

      -Proving that it is possible to make money not the 'traditional' way
      -Have the ability to work from home, whenever I want
      -Not having to work in a 9-5 job
      -Making money every day, consistently
      -Change lives by teaching others how to become successful online and gain financial freedom
      -Be able to buy nice things for me, my family and my significant other
      -Not having to worry about expenses
      -Go on vacations whenever I want to
      -Being that person that succeeds, one of the 3% (97% actually fail at IM)
      -Prove to myself that I CAN do it
      -Having the freedom and time to spend it with people and things I actually love and enjoy

      This is basically my motivation! Printed out and hanging on my wall. (I can recommend that to everyone)

      Great question, thank you!

      -Robert
      I agree with all your motivations, and its great to hear all about what drives your successful online business

      I think the non-traditional nature of IM and working from home is a massive motivator for me and the fact that I never want to go back to the 9 to 5 grind is also a huge factor for me.

      I dont really need to prove to myself that much, however I do like to prove to my clients that my services are valuable and then need me.

      Thanks Robert, great to hear your perspective on this thread.
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  • Profile picture of the author Antony Micheal
    please pursue passion, success will follow you
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  • Profile picture of the author gwilfo1988
    I'm motivated by having my own freedom. But I'm mostly motivated by helping others achieve their freedom. The thought of waking up in the morning with the dread of not being able to pay the bills or believing that life is the 9-5 grind and being stuck in the rat-race is just normal.
    Helping people break of this trap and mentality is what really motivates me
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  • Profile picture of the author gregorybair
    This is an interesting question, and I have very much enjoyed reading all responses, both genuine and vitriolic.
    Obviously there is a money component for everybody. Even someone that denies being motivated by money is inherently, as it takes some kind of currency to get along in this world. That being said, attaining success, whatever that may be, certainly seems a more challenging and noble goal.
    But the real question is, what defines success?
    I think my favorite template for what might be considered a successful life is outlined in a speech delivered by the late, prolific writer David Foster Wallace, entitled, "This is Water."
    The speech was originally delivered as a commencement address, but carries a prolific message that has far broader applications and far deeper advice to lend than a typical speech of that nature.
    In it, Wallace describes the monotony and drudgery of daily life. He details a dreary and inconvenient trip to the grocery store, characterized by oppressive fluorescent lighting, and irritating horde of additional tired shoppers. His point though, is that seeing this experience in this particular way is totally a matter of choice. You can view the same lighting grateful not to be in the dark, and you can see the other shoppers as sympathetic peers. He asserts, essentially, that the lens through which one sees the world is really malleable, and one does have the capacity to control it. This, of course, requires tremendous discipline, and Wallace himself admits to falling short of ever being able to reach this ideal. The aspiration to be in that kind of control of your own life and thinking though, is a truly admirable pursuit, and one that could, he says, lead to contentment.
    I was struck by this, I think, because it seems to apply so well to the work that we do. A lot of freelancing work requires the discipline to manage your own time, to complete jobs on budget and on schedule. If you don't have a good grasp on directing your mind to a task, then you will be, as Wallace says, totally hosed.
    I have linked the speech below, and would be curious if anyone likes it.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhhC_N6Bm_s
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  • Profile picture of the author bestAd
    When I got into online marketing it was all about making money, I started making some good money and started a mentoring program to make some more money but later it became about creating as many successful students possible. This is what motivates me now.
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  • Profile picture of the author timng
    For, my motivation comes from a BIG WHY. I wish to achieve financial freedom to at least spend more time with my family, my 2 young kids and my ageing paernts.

    Secondly, the next big motivation has got to be helping more people learn a system that I have been using to be financially free. It certainly makes my day if I can help create more success stories in this world.

    That's my take of what motivates me.

    Tim
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by timng View Post

      For, my motivation comes from a BIG WHY. I wish to achieve financial freedom to at least spend more time with my family, my 2 young kids and my ageing paernts.

      Secondly, the next big motivation has got to be helping more people learn a system that I have been using to be financially free. It certainly makes my day if I can help create more success stories in this world.

      That's my take of what motivates me.

      Tim
      So the motivation is money - this is what allows you the freedom to spend time with family, loved ones and help people to learn your system.

      This thread is showing that the two seem to go hand in hand, which I kind of anticipated.

      Thanks for sharing.
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  • Profile picture of the author gaurav2555
    Personally for me its the success. Of-course, the money is important for survival. But nothing can beat successfully executing your vision and changing the way things work.
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by gaurav2555 View Post

      Personally for me its the success. Of-course, the money is important for survival. But nothing can beat successfully executing your vision and changing the way things work.
      Success doesn't put food on the table though.

      I know it probably sounds better to say it, but really if you weren't successful you probably wouldn't be making money and then you would be saying that the most important thing is money because you need to have this to be a success.

      It's a circular thing and I think you can't have one without the other.

      Success is a result of money and succeeding in business.
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  • Profile picture of the author marciayudkin
    Any poster above or below this that doesn't say the money is a liar.
    That's your truth. But that's not necessarily other people's truth.

    I could go through the story of my life and point out 8-10 major crossroads where I chose freedom instead of money. That's my truth, and I'm sticking with it.

    Marcia Yudkin
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  • Profile picture of the author VidasVegas
    Motivates me to help others to put them on right path share my 8 years online experience in IM
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  • Profile picture of the author Junaid khawaja
    Well, ofcourse, those who say money was never their motivation are lying (unless you are a philanthropist).
    But I really do think that with success comes the money and with money comes the motivation to do more.
    One of my core motivation is to lift up the lifestyle of those around me; my family, my relatives and even friends too. Every now and then, I give preach them how powerful IM is...but sigh - IM is not for everyone.

    So, I am aiming to establish some brick and mortar businesses too..and probably hand it over to those I care.

    Thanks
    -J
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    I am conducting 5 FREE copy consultations till New Year...Jump onto my bandwagon while you still can..

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  • Profile picture of the author uberv
    1. The money, first, when you don't have much. It really changes your life.

    2. When basic needs and everyday stresses related to money are taken care of, and after avoiding the trap of consumerism/materialism/hedonic treadmill, a sense of purpose becomes the driving force for further success.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rory Singh
    For me personally...I am motivated by PAIN.

    Because it will cause me more pain to let my self fail than the effort I have to put in 'daily' in order to succeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author Manish Shah
    Originally Posted by BlossMart View Post

    Back in my former life I remember applying for jobs and meeting with the HR team as they run through the standardised questions for finding the perfect employee.

    Over years I feel like I mastered answering the questions to a tee - I figure you know what they want to hear, give them what they want to hear, and usually you're onto the next stage of the recruitment process.

    More often than not, one of the questions early on in the piece to sift out the stragglers in the line up for the job was "What really motivates you in your work"

    They used to like an answer to be one of the following answers:

    - I motivated by working with a successful team
    - I am motivated by the people around me and being in a company that likes to reach goals
    - I am motivated by KPI's
    - I am motivated to exceed my manager's expectations
    - I am motivated by being in a company that is the best in the industry

    However now that the shoe's on the other foot and I don't work for the big guys but wholly and solely for myself, I wonder how I would answer this question if a friend asked me over a beer... really honestly, what would my answer be?

    Am I motivated by the money
    Am I motivated by the freedom
    Am I motivated by the fact that I can wear my PJ's all day if I like
    Am I motivated by the fact that I can travel and work without having to ask for annual leave
    Am I motivated by the fact that I can work less hours or more hours and earn as much as I want based on my needs only

    I can't really say which is the biggest motivator - but I can safely say that the freedom, the money and the ability to run my own show could come equal first in my life.

    What's your motivation ?
    Dear Bloss Mart.

    While i am just starting up in my Internet marketing Endeavor, I believe the biggest motivation for me, is similar to yours. If i could only earn, $ 4000 to $ 6000 per month, via Internet Marketing, i would be able to do away with my Day job, spend lot of time with my Family (specially WITH MY SON), to do the things i love to do in life (video shooting hindi poetries, etc).

    Good post. Loved your work.
    Keep it up.
    Manish Shah
    Signature

    Hi there - You can visit me at http://www.growinginternetincome.com

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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by Manish Shah View Post

      Dear Bloss Mart.

      While i am just starting up in my Internet marketing Endeavor, I believe the biggest motivation for me, is similar to yours. If i could only earn, $ 4000 to $ 6000 per month, via Internet Marketing, i would be able to do away with my Day job, spend lot of time with my Family (specially WITH MY SON), to do the things i love to do in life (video shooting hindi poetries, etc).

      Good post. Loved your work.
      Keep it up.
      Manish Shah
      All the best on your quest Manish.

      It's important to stay true to yourself and I know I have set in my head 'what I need' and anything else is a bonus however I never sacrifice time with family or any other commitments to keep on pushing and pushing for additional income past this.

      I know this might seem really dumb and stupid to some people on here, however I know what I need for my mortgage, my lifestyle, my savings and my holidays and I am happy getting that in the way that I am now doing my work.

      There is a risk of getting a little caught up in the 'how much can I make race' and to be honest 10 years ago I might have been a starter as well in the race, now I am just so happy I can exist and support my family in such a way that I am making way more in a more relaxed environment than I ever could have in the corporate world.

      Now that we have had over 100 people comment, there is a bit of a trend that the money is the motivator and the outcomes allow great success, however without earning the money there would not be the sense of achievement.

      Thanks again for your comment and good luck with your business.
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  • Profile picture of the author aizaku
    dont kid yourselves,

    money is why we do it..


    money buys your time back

    money also motivates us to provide value..

    -Ike Paz
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  • Profile picture of the author Gimpa
    I am being motivated by traveling, therefore money indirectly. Guilty!
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by Gimpa View Post

      I am being motivated by traveling, therefore money indirectly. Guilty!
      Guilty as charged. I too am motivated by travel and up to very recently basically anyting I ever saved went into holidays, which isn't a bad thing
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  • Profile picture of the author Dharmi
    I am motivated by the success I get in work what I do, and of course if you get money for your success then it boosts your motivation in doing work with sincerity.
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  • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
    Thanks for everyone's comments - I found a cool list online of key motivators - I'd love to do a poll to rank them:

    Use the list below to explore possible motivations and determine what has the biggest impact on you and your desire to succeed.

    Money: Is wealth, paying off debts, or living luxuriously a motivator for you?
    Society: Are you driven by the desire to solve a common problem or improve the lives of others?
    Family: Are you building a legacy you can pass down to your children? Are you starting a business to support or honor your family in some way?
    Expectations: Do you worry about fulfilling the needs of others or what others will think about you if you fail? What are your expectations for yourself?
    Consequences: Are you afraid of what may happen if you don’t start a business and become successful?
    Pride: Pride in yourself and your work can be a powerful motivator for many. Is it for you?
    Passion: Does love for what you do give you the fight to be able to work through the challenges?
    Credibility: Do you look at this business as a way to solidify your credibility or establish yourself as an expert?
    Challenge: Do you thrive on the challenge? Do you purposefully take on initiatives that will stretch you and provide learning opportunities?
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  • Profile picture of the author ultimausa
    Since I don't have much savings yet, what motivates me is money. I am not wasteful with money, nor do I have expensive taste but I want the freedom to buy all the things I need and what my family needs. But within me there is also the desire to make full use of whatever innate talents I have to contribute some value to the world. Ultimately, I want my life to have meaning and not be somebody that just lived to work and just did enough to get by. Is it egoistic to think we have a bigger purpose in life?
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    • Profile picture of the author BlossMart
      Originally Posted by ultimausa View Post

      Since I don't have much savings yet, what motivates me is money. I am not wasteful with money, nor do I have expensive taste but I want the freedom to buy all the things I need and what my family needs. But within me there is also the desire to make full use of whatever innate talents I have to contribute some value to the world. Ultimately, I want my life to have meaning and not be somebody that just lived to work and just did enough to get by. Is it egoistic to think we have a bigger purpose in life?
      Hi, thanks for your comment.

      Fair enough, money is a fairly big factor is following your success and when you have enough it gives you plenty of freedom to do whatever it is you want to do.

      What sort of things are you wanting to do when you reach a point where you are comfortable? For me, I probably want to do more travel and take time out to spend it doing things with people I don't get to see as much as I would like to.

      I think you have great foresight and many people just work and work and don't think about the big picture.

      Good luck with your business, I am sure you will a great success.
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  • Profile picture of the author stewie48
    My motivation is to improve mine and my family's standard of living,
    then show others how to do the same...

    So yes my motivation is "money"

    Have a great day...
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  • Profile picture of the author Hound148
    The freedom is a huge motivator. Fear is another - I no longer have that monthly guaranteed payslip. The fact I'm doing it for me though, that's the biggest motivator I think.
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  • Profile picture of the author mjcole76
    For me it was the journey, to struggle and finally get traction, that's the best to me, and the fact of not quitting even though I thought of it so many times.
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  • Profile picture of the author hynds
    My motivation is money and freedom. I want to get retire soon, so I need to try hard at this moment.
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  • Profile picture of the author ShayB
    Money and freedom. Both are tied for the top reason.

    Doing what I love is a bonus, but if I didn't get paid, writing would be my hobby.
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    "Fate protects fools, little children, and ships called Enterprise." ~Commander Riker
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnSt9
    Financial freedom is my motivation - Because when I can create the passive income flow that enough to help me to make a lot of money and live a life comfortable then I can do whatever I want (that's what people call it freedom), improve the living conditions of my family and do charity/ to help our social/country better!
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