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The better our basic needs for security, housing, food, and clothing are met, the harder it becomes to motivate ourselves to earn more. However, for some, it’s the opposite — they get a taste for financial success and want more by simply climbing the career ladder or winning through the sports betting website. It all comes down to the feelings we experience in the process or after achieving something.
The Drive to Earn More
What fuels those who earn significantly more than others? How do they maintain motivation, and what’s their mindset for success?
Often, people who achieve success were raised from childhood to pursue goals relentlessly, overcoming obstacles without giving up. If their parents encouraged curiosity and independence, praising not only results but also effort, this positively impacts them in adulthood.
The Role of Income Levels
The motivation to increase earnings often comes from a lack of money and the willingness to improve the situation. Maybe there’s a large family to support (though this is still just escaping survival mode), or perhaps there’s a dream of living in a spacious oceanfront home with a full staff. That’s understandable.
But interestingly, financial motivation rarely exists in its pure form. More often, the desire for wealth is fueled by something deeper.
To earn more, people leave unpromising jobs and put in tremendous effort to build their own businesses — and they succeed. They also invest in self-education, learn about finances, and ultimately achieve high incomes.
Wealthy vs. Poor Childhood: How It Shapes Motivation
A person’s childhood — whether wealthy or poor — can push them toward success.
In the first case, they might be driven by their parents’ example, access to valuable connections, a quality education, and a family culture of accumulating wealth.
In the second case, motivation can stem from the desire to escape poverty — never wanting to go hungry again or feel ashamed of wearing cheap, worn-out clothes. If financial struggles caused deep psychological scars, they become a strong driver to reach a new level — and ideally, to create a financial safety net.
At the same time, the opposite can also happen. A child from a wealthy family who is provided for life may not feel any need to put in effort. Finding personal motivation can be challenging. Meanwhile, someone raised in modest circumstances might simply be accustomed to making do with little, never even considering striving for more.
Unfulfilled childhood dreams also play a role. Some dream of traveling the world, while others still hold onto the wish for a bike they never got as a kid. The drive to fulfill dreams can be the purest fuel for success. Sometimes, it’s a clear vision of the future; other times, it’s a subconscious way to compensate for that missing childhood bike. But why not?
The Psychology of Financial Success
For some, the fuel for success is proving their worth to themselves and others. The need for validation is natural.
Some rely more on internal values and self-respect, while others need external recognition — praise from loved ones and bosses, work bonuses. Such people don’t just earn money; they actively showcase their success by buying designer goods or going on luxury vacations.
For others, making money is like an exciting hobby. They find joy in the process itself, not in external approval, material rewards, or increased confidence.
Similarly, financial success can be driven by a "sporting interest" — building a business, being passionate about innovations, or climbing the career ladder, where money becomes a natural byproduct of the journey.
Why Some People Struggle to Earn More
What about those who stick to an average income? Why don’t they earn more? Some might say they simply can’t (at least for now), while others are perfectly content with their situation.
Low Self-Esteem
People get used to a certain standard of living — often from childhood. This is one reason why moving up to a higher financial level can be so difficult.
No Desire to Earn More
Income levels can be satisfactory or not. But for some, financial struggles are critical, while others are focused on entirely different aspects of life.
Poor Money Management
The issue isn’t just about saving — it’s about how money is spent. Even with a high income, impulsive spending, lack of financial planning, and failing to build savings can create a cycle where more money simply leads to more expenses — this is called lifestyle inflation.
Some try to save by shopping only on discount days and in bulk. But the best approach is financial control: tracking income and expenses, and investing spare money into assets like real estate, bonds, or mutual funds. This ensures extra income and financial confidence.
Professional Burnout
People need to enjoy their work and feel valued in their roles. They also need work-life balance. Without breaks or passion for what they do, burnout eventually sets in—making it hard to move forward, or even maintain their current level.
Limiting Beliefs
People often unconsciously settle for small incomes, just as their parents or grandparents did. Some avoid asking for a raise because they were raised with the mindset of “don’t stand out” or “don’t ask for too much.” Others grow up hearing negative beliefs about money — like a mother convinced that wealth changes people for the worse after her best friend married rich and cut ties.
On top of that, personal experiences shape subjective beliefs. Unlike deep-seated subconscious attitudes that require professional help to identify, these limiting beliefs can often be recognized and challenged. Like burnout, they can be overcome.
The Path to Financial Success
Of course, this isn’t the full picture. Other reasons people struggle to increase their income include:
- Fear of responsibility.
- Low self-esteem.
- Fear of change.
- Difficult personality traits.
The road to financial success begins with understanding personal goals and motivation. Those who aim to increase their earnings have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and are willing to work for it. They recognize that financial success requires effort, planning, and continuous growth.