Is Money the Best Motivator for Success?
I don’t know, you tell me. Do you think that money is the best motivator that pushes us as young entrepreneurs to succeed? Does the thrill of riches help push you along your entrepreneurial journey? Do it make you work harder than ever before?
Ok, I lied. Yes, money is a great motivator for me. I think that money motivates most of us young entrepreneurs to work our hardest, make things happen, and do every thing in our powers to succeed in building an empire.
Howard Hughes, one of Americas most successful entrepreneurs and first billionaires once said that “he wanted to be the richest person in the world” as a young boy. As an adult, that dream came true as he was, at one point, the richest person in America.
I even recall Bill Gates’ desire for mass riches and vast wealth in one of his early biographies that I read a few years ago. And I think we all know what happened with Bill Gates.
These brilliant entrepreneurs did indeed have money on their minds. Heck, even Warren Buffet had dollar signs floating across his eyes as he began investing at the mere age of 11. All of these innovators not only went on to becoming the richest individuals in the world, but they have contributed to society immensely!
Their contributions have truly changed the world and made it a better place. I have no doubt that the desire to make lives easier, solves problems, and bring about positive change was on their minds when building their empires…but, the desire for money also played a crucial role in their feats as successful entrepreneurs.
Let’s face it, money is power. And those with power have the ability to do big things: good things, bad things, weird things, etc…
So what am I saying here? I’m saying, don’t feel bad if money is your motivator when building your business. That’s okay. This issue shouldn’t be about using money as your motivation to succeed; what’s most important is what exactly “you do” to bring about that wealth. If you are doing great things for people, then that’s all that matters.
Here’s a quote from Louise Erdrich:
Money helps, though not as much as you think when you don’t have it.
What do you think, is money one of the best motivators or not?
6 Comments
Rohail
February 2nd, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Great article, David. I agree that there is nothing wrong with money being a motivator. Where it becomes excessive, however, is when you lose the passion for the business itself and focus on dollar signs first. This leads to a multitude of money making ideas, but no real execution or focus on a single idea. As trizle puts it, the “me first” syndrome. I think it should be every entrepreneurs goal to achieve wealth at some point, but I like to think that entrepreneurs first see passion and changing the world as motivators first, and the money following afterwards.
Aaron K
February 2nd, 2007 at 6:24 pm
David,
I think that Money isn’t and shouldn’t be the greatest motivator. Most people have some more noble cause for pursuing a business project.
Supporting a family, helping people, can’t stand working for someone else, or you have a great idea, etc…
However I think that Warren Buffett said it best.
“Money is just the way I keep score”
We may have higher aspirations than money but the numbers tell us if we are succeeding.
Aaron K
February 2nd, 2007 at 6:29 pm
correction:
It was Ted Turner and here’s the quote.
“Life is a game. Money is how we keep score.”
David Askaripour
February 3rd, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Thanks for the awesome feedback, guys. I agree, the passion to bring about change, help people, and to make positive contributions will always be the “best” motivator. Rock on!
mimmi
April 4th, 2007 at 6:07 am
I agree with u money is the best n most of the time the only motivator. they want to support family; they need money. y they don’t want to work for anyone? they order and enjoys all the profits. and it goes etc..etc..
Girish
April 5th, 2007 at 6:12 am
Absolutely right guys. Happy to see people not focused on money !
Money should never be the motivator. your business is an expression of your creativity, your passions/talents put for other people’s use. And those are the inspiring aspects.
Money is not a natural resource. It is printed by we humans only !! Its a myth that its difficult to earn it and someone has to be poor. Everyone can be rich at the same time easily…
Just do what you love to do.. money will definitely come. We breathe to live, dont live to breathe. Earn to live, dont live to earn..
love
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