Some time ago, I was a panelist at a Boots to Business workshop at the United States Air Force Academy. As I wrapped up my introduction and shared my weekly schedule—which includes advising startups, writing blog posts, and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs—a hand shot up. “When do you sleep?” a participant asked with a smile. The question was meant as a joke, but it stuck with me during the drive home.
What they were really asking, I believe, was how someone could possibly have that much drive. And the answer, I’ve come to realize, lies in the difference between internal and external motivation.
What Drives You?
Let’s start with a simple question: Why do you get out of bed in the morning? For many people, it’s to go to work because that’s what provides a paycheck. And that’s completely valid. Most traditional employees are externally motivated. They work because of a reward—money, benefits, or maybe the fear of losing a job.
Now, imagine the paycheck stops. Would most people still show up to work? Probably not. Because the external incentive is gone.
By contrast, if I take a day off from my entrepreneurial pursuits—even just to relax or do chores—I feel an uncomfortable sense of guilt. It’s not because someone is telling me to work, but because I genuinely love what I do. I’m not waiting for Friday to arrive so I can escape. My work is not something I run from; it’s something I run toward.
Internally Motivated People Don’t Need Permission
Internal motivation is powerful. It’s the difference between someone who needs a boss to assign them a task and someone who sees a need and takes action without being told. Entrepreneurs, artists, inventors, and athletes at the top of their game all share this trait.
This doesn’t mean that internally motivated people don’t get tired or overwhelmed. Trust me, there are days I question my own work/life balance—especially when my wife reminds me that watching a movie or tending the yard wouldn’t be the end of the world. But if you truly enjoy what you’re doing, it doesn’t feel like work. It becomes a form of play with purpose.
There’s a popular saying: Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. While that’s a bit of an oversimplification (because yes, it still requires effort), the core idea holds true. When you’re fueled from within, the work becomes fulfilling in and of itself—not just a means to a paycheck.
The Entrepreneur’s Dilemma: Balance vs. Fulfillment
Is this healthy? Maybe. Maybe not. My wife would argue I have a work-life balance issue—and she’s probably right. But it’s also true that for many entrepreneurs, the “balance” society advocates for doesn’t apply in the same way. Our work energizes us. It gives us meaning.
Unlike someone slogging through the week to reach the weekend, I often have to force myself to disengage and “smell the roses,” from time to time as the saying goes. The typical cycle of labor vs. leisure is inverted for internally motivated individuals.
This doesn’t mean that downtime isn’t valuable. In fact, reflection, rest, and time away from the grind are critical for long-term performance. But the motivation to return isn’t born from external pressure—it’s fueled by internal purpose.
Understanding your own motivational wiring is crucial, especially if you’re a business owner or considering entrepreneurship.
Externally motivated people make great employees when clear incentives, accountability, and structure are in place.
Internally motivated individuals are often better suited for entrepreneurial environments, where ambiguity, self-direction, and long-term vision are required.
If you’re hiring for your business, knowing the motivational drivers of your team can inform how you structure roles, compensation, and company culture. A highly self-motivated person will likely excel with autonomy, while someone externally motivated might need more external checkpoints and rewards.
This concept also ties into Daniel Pink’s theory of intrinsic motivation, outlined in his book Drive, where he identifies autonomy, mastery, and purpose as key motivators. These elements resonate strongly with entrepreneurs and creators who aren’t just clocking in—they’re building something that matters to them.
The next time someone tells you to take a break or asks when you sleep, don’t be offended. It may just be a sign that you’ve tapped into something deeper—something that drives you beyond deadlines and deliverables.
Are you driven by external rewards—or is there something internal that keeps you pushing forward even when no one’s watching?
