How to Use Motivation as a Tool—Not a Magic Fix
Motivation is a word we hear everywhere, but few people really stop to think about what drives them. There’s a big difference between internal and external motivation, and knowing which one is at play can change how you approach your work, your passions, and even your daily life.
Let’s break it down. Internal motivation is when you do something for yourself. It’s about passion, curiosity, or the simple joy of the activity. You’re not looking for a reward outside of the task itself—the pleasure is built in. On the other hand, external motivation is when you do something for a reward that comes from outside: a salary, recognition, or even just ticking a box for someone else.
Think about your job. If you’re working mainly for the paycheck, that’s external motivation. The work itself might be fine, but the real reason you’re there is for the money. If you’re working because you love what you do, that’s internal motivation. The difference matters, because it changes how much energy you have for the task, how much you enjoy it, and how likely you are to stick with it.
We all put things off sometimes. Maybe the task feels too boring, or you haven’t made it easy enough to start. That’s often a sign that your motivation is more external than internal. There’s friction at the beginning, and you just don’t feel like doing it. One way to fix this is to make the task more pleasant or easier to begin. For example, I used to record my videos at home, but it wasn’t as enjoyable. Now, I film by the bay. The sun is out, the view is beautiful, and I actually look forward to it. The pleasure I get from the place makes the work itself better, and the result is always improved.
Sometimes, motivation is a mix of both. I enjoy making videos, but I also know it helps build my reputation and expertise. That’s an external reward, but the internal pleasure is just as important. If you find yourself doing something only for external reasons, ask yourself: can you automate it, delegate it, or even stop doing it altogether? Life is too short to spend your days on things you don’t like. You want to be the main character in your own life, not just a bystander.
There’s an old idea that work has to be painful, but that’s just something we inherited from the past. Today, we have more freedom than ever to choose what we do. Sometimes, all you need is a laptop, an internet connection, and a good view to remind yourself that work can be enjoyable. When you enjoy what you do, the outcome is always better.
One thing I’ve found helpful is to treat learning as a two-way street. When I learn something new, I write it down, teach it, or make a video about it. This helps me remember it better and organize my thoughts. Sharing what you know isn’t selfish—it’s a way to help others and reinforce your own knowledge.
Life is too short to spend your days on things you don’t like. You want to be the main character in your own life, not just a bystander.
— Pierre
So, here’s my challenge for you: don’t put off what you want to do. The best time to start is now. Find something that motivates you, something that feels good, and see if you can also turn it into something that helps you grow—whether that’s building your reputation, learning new skills, or just enjoying the moment.
When you enjoy what you do, the outcome is always better.
— Pierre
Key Takeaways
- Know the difference between internal and external motivation.
- Make your tasks more enjoyable to reduce friction and procrastination.
- If you don’t like a task, see if you can automate, delegate, or drop it.
- Enjoying your work leads to better results.
- Share what you learn—it helps you remember and helps others too.
Reflection
- What motivates you to do what you do every day?
- Are there tasks you could make more enjoyable or meaningful?
- What’s one thing you’ve been putting off that you could start today?
Pierre-Henry Soria
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