When you ask most entrepreneurs why they started their business, one of the most common answers is, “To make more money.” And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. Money provides freedom, flexibility, and resources. But here’s the kicker—money, by itself, isn’t really the endgame. It’s a means to something else. And if you’re not crystal clear on what that “something else” is, then you’re going to find it hard to stay truly motivated when the grind gets tough.
As the old saying goes, “Money doesn’t buy happiness.” And there’s a lot of truth to that. Just having a stack of cash sitting in the bank doesn’t necessarily change anything about your life. It’s what you do with the money that has the potential to bring joy, meaning, and satisfaction. Maybe it allows you to finally take that dream vacation to Germany during Oktoberfest. Maybe it gives you the ability to help your kids graduate college debt-free. Or perhaps it lets you give generously to causes you believe in.
That’s the real motivator. It’s not about having money—it’s about using money to create the life you want.
Here’s the thing: money is an abstract concept. It’s numbers on a screen. It’s not tangible or emotionally compelling. But if you replace the idea of “making more money” with a vivid picture of what the money will do for you, suddenly, your goals feel more alive and motivating.
Think of it like this: If you walk into your office every day and see a Post-it note on your monitor that just says “Make Money,” how inspired will you feel after a few months? But imagine instead a photo of that new truck you’ve been dreaming of or a vision board with snapshots of your bucket list adventures. That’s something you can emotionally connect to.
When I was coaching a client recently, I encouraged him to create a “future rewards” board above his desk. Instead of fixating on revenue goals alone, he filled it with photos of his kids, the lake house he wants to build, and the nonprofit he hopes to fund someday. Not surprisingly, his energy picked up. He wasn’t just working for money—he was working for a purpose.
This technique has roots in behavioral economics and motivational psychology. People are more likely to stay focused when the reward is both specific and emotionally resonant. It’s not just about what you earn; it’s about what that earning enables you to experience or give.
So, the next time you find yourself slogging through your to-do list or dragging yourself into another 12-hour day, take a minute to ask: What’s the money really for?
Create that vivid picture. Write it down. Print it out. Put it where you can see it. When you give your money a mission, you give your work a purpose.
