Have you thought about your motivation for making money lately? If not, it’s worth giving some thought, because our motivation colors our approach.

Think back to the first time you earned a little money as a kid by doing some work. Why did you do it?

If you’re like many people, it was probably for one of two reasons: either there was something you really wanted to get that required money, or your parents required you to do chores in exchange for an allowance. If you were lucky, maybe your first income came from doing something fun that you just happened to get paid for too.

Of course, to a certain extent we all earn money because there’s something we need to buy with it (like food, clothing, and shelter). But beyond that, if you’re just doing something for the money because you “have to”, you’re probably not super motivated to go above and beyond.

The thing is, if you have a larger purpose in mind that both includes and goes beyond just making money, you’re likely to be much more successful at the money aspect too.

In part, that’s because people can feel your passion. They know that you’re sincere, and that you’re not just out to make a quick buck at their expense. It’s also because you put a lot more effort into it. Deep down, you want to learn everything you can about what you’re doing so that you can achieve your larger goal. You persist longer too, and keep trying new things if the first few things you try don’t work.

When something really matters to you, it shows — in your actions, in your results, and in the money you earn. What’s your motivation?