Why Money is a Terrible Motivator (And What Works)
Let me tell you a story. Some years ago, I landed a high-paying corporate job. It was the kind of job where the salary would have made my friends’ eyes pop. I thought I’d hit the jackpot. But within six months, I was miserable. The money was great, but the work? Soul-crushing. I was bored and uninspired, counting the minutes until 5 PM daily.
Here’s the kicker: I wasn’t alone. Studies show that more money doesn't make you happier once you hit a certain income level (around $75,000 a year in most places). It doesn’t make you work harder, either. It can do the opposite.
So, why is money such a crappy motivator? And what works? Let’s break it down.
Money is a Short-Term Fix
Money is like caffeine. It gives you a quick energy jolt but doesn’t last. Sure, a fat paycheck or a bonus might make you feel suitable for a day or two, but then what? You’re back to the same grind, chasing the next hit.
I’ve seen this play out in my own life. When freelancing, I’d take on projects just for the money. And guess what? Those were the projects I hated the most. The ones I dreaded working on. The ones that made me question my life choices.
Money can’t sustain motivation because it doesn’t address the root of what drives us. It’s a band-aid, not a cure.
Money Doesn’t Solve Boredom
Let’s be honest: no amount of money can make a tedious job exciting. If you’re stuck in a role that doesn’t challenge or align with your passions, you will feel empty even if you’re making six figures.
I’ve had friends who stayed in jobs they hated because the money was good. And you know what happened? They burned out. They became resentful. They started questioning their self-worth. Money didn’t solve their problems — it just masked them.
Money Can Kill Creativity
Here’s a paradox: the more you focus on money, the less creative you become. When your primary goal is to make a buck, you stop taking risks. You stop thinking outside the box. You play it safe.
I’ve seen this in the writing world. Writers who chase trends and write what they think will sell often produce mediocre work. Why? Because they’re not writing from the heart. They’re writing for a paycheck.
Creativity thrives when you’re passionate about what you’re doing, when you’re intrinsically motivated. Money? It’s just noise.
What Works?
So, if money isn’t the answer, what is? Here’s what I’ve learned:
Purpose
People are motivated by a sense of purpose. When you believe your work matters, you’ll go the extra mile. You’ll push through challenges. You’ll stay committed, even when the going gets tough.
I’ve found this to be true in my career. The projects I’ve been most passionate about — the ones that aligned with my values and goals — were the ones I poured my heart into. And guess what? Those were also the projects that brought me the most success.
Autonomy
No one likes to be micromanaged. People thrive when they have control over their work. When they can make decisions, take ownership, and see the impact of their efforts.
I’ve worked in rigid, hierarchical environments and flexible, autonomous ones. Guess which one brought out the best in me? The one where I had the freedom to experiment, fail, and grow.
Mastery
Humans are wired to grow. We want to get better at things. We want to learn, improve, and achieve mastery. You'll stay motivated when you’re in a role that allows you to develop your skills.
I’ve seen this in action with my writing. The more I’ve honed my craft, the more motivated I’ve become. It’s not about the money. It’s about the progress, the sense of accomplishment.
Connection
We’re social creatures. We’re motivated by relationships. You'll show up differently when you feel connected to your team, work, and purpose.
I’ve worked on projects where the team dynamic was toxic. And you know what? No amount of money could make up for that. On the flip side, I’ve worked on projects where the team felt like family. And those were the projects I’d do for free.
The Bottom Line
Money isn’t evil. It’s a tool. It pays the bills, buys the coffee, and funds the adventures. But it’s not a great motivator. If you want to stay motivated — and help others stay motivated — focus on purpose, autonomy, mastery, and connection.
Because here’s the truth: people don’t work for money. They work for meaning. And when you find that meaning, the money will follow.
So, what motivates you? Is it the paycheck, or is it something deeper? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
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