Don’t Start a Company If This Happens

In partnership with

Is entrepreneurship a calling? It’s a topic open to debate. Some people seem to be natural-born entrepreneurs, while others stumble into this path and make a name for themselves. One thing is certain: being an entrepreneur isn’t for everyone—especially if you rely on external motivation.

Internal vs. External Motivation

Motivation is undoubtedly a powerful force, particularly when it comes from within. This type of drive, rooted in personal goals and ambitions, is what we’ll call Internal Motivation.

In a previous publication, we highlighted the story of Kristina Saffran and Erin Parks—two academics who became entrepreneurs through a shared passion for treating individuals suffering from eating disorders. Their journey exemplifies how internal motivation can fuel mission-driven entrepreneurship. 

Click here to read about their inspiring story.

On the other hand, External Motivation stems from external factors, such as admiration for others’ success or encouragement from those around you. Seeing someone else thrive can spark thoughts like, “If they can do it, so can I.” You might be drawn to their lifestyle, freedom, or wealth.

External motivation can also come in the form of encouragement from a partner, friend, or mentor. While their belief in your potential may feel uplifting, it’s not a reliable foundation for long-term success in entrepreneurship.

If Your Motivation Is External, Think Twice

If external factors drive you, don’t start a company. Entrepreneurship requires more than fleeting inspiration—it demands resilience, grit, and an unshakable passion. Encouragement can inspire employees to excel in their roles, but for entrepreneurs, it falls short. It may initially propel you to take action, but when the inevitable challenges of building a business arise, external encouragement won’t sustain you. Without passion or intrinsic drive, the weight of entrepreneurship can become overwhelming.

Think of a rocket launch. The boosters provide the initial force needed to lift the rocket into orbit, but they're discarded once their job is done. Encouragement acts much like those boosters—it can push you to start, but it won’t carry you the distance.

At this stage, passion and grit become your survival tools. They’re akin to the harness worn by mountain climbers. While it’s possible to climb a gentle slope without one, attempting to scale a steep mountain without a harness would likely be impossible.

You Need To Be Self-Motivation and Passionate

Self-motivation is a far stronger driver than encouragement or any other form of external motivation. It’s like an endless energy source you can tap into whenever your fuel runs low. Self-motivation answers your Why. For Kristina Saffran, it was her desire to help others overcome a disease she had battled as a child. The clearer and stronger your reason, the more powerful your motivation will be.

Passion takes this a step further. When self-motivation aligns with passion, your chances of succeeding skyrocket. Many people struggle to identify their passion, especially in business. A great starting point is exploring your hobbies. Countless entrepreneurs have scaled their hobbies into successful ventures.

If you find yourself driven by both self-motivation and passion, you’re already ahead of the curve.

Click the link below to catch up on our last discussion

If you would like to see more insights like this, subscribe and get our newsletters delivered directly to your inbox.

Until next time, Best Regards.

Alex