What Motivates You?

What Will It Take? The Reality of Motivation in 2024

In 2024, motivation seems to be driven largely by one thing: money. Whether it’s taking risks, confronting fears, or feeling the need for change, financial incentives are often the deciding factor. For many, the pursuit of wealth is the key motivator behind making bold decisions, be it quitting a job, starting a business, or demanding fair compensation.

But is this really all that motivates us? Or are we allowing money to be the easy, tangible excuse that masks a deeper fear—fear of failure, of judgment, or of change itself?

A History of Fear as Motivation

It’s worth reflecting on how motivation has evolved. In past civilizations, fear wasn’t an abstract concept—it was a daily reality. Our ancestors had to worry about where their next meal would come from, or if they would survive an encounter with a dangerous predator or rival tribe. Fear was a necessary survival mechanism. It kept us sharp, alert, and motivated to move forward.

Fast forward to more recent history, and people have also lived in fear of persecution, discrimination, and ridicule—sometimes for something as uncontrollable as the color of their skin or their religious beliefs. Fear of social rejection or physical harm motivated many to either fight for change or succumb to oppressive systems. Their motivation to survive, and sometimes thrive, came not from a desire for wealth but from the need to overcome these harsh realities of life.

Modern Fear: The Comfort Zone

In 2024, the landscape is vastly different. For many in developed societies, basic survival—finding food, shelter, or avoiding life-threatening danger—is no longer an immediate concern. Instead, we live in a world dominated by systems that promise comfort and predictability, and for most, the primary motivation seems to come down to a paycheck.

But here’s the catch: Comfort breeds complacency. As humans, we’ve become so accustomed to staying in our “safe zones” that the idea of stepping outside of them feels risky, even though the real dangers pale in comparison to what our ancestors faced.

Think about it. What will it take for you to quit your job and start your own business? It’s probably not just about the money, is it? Maybe it’s about security, fear of failure, or the uncertainty of the unknown. Or, on a more everyday level, what would it take for you to walk into your boss’s office and demand compensation that actually reflects your value, rather than accepting the predetermined salary someone set for you?

For most of us, fear holds us back. It’s not the saber-toothed tiger outside our cave, but the fear of what others might think, fear of losing what little financial comfort we’ve managed to scrape together, or fear of failing at something new.

What Happened to Our Desire to Explore?

If you look at the broader picture, you’ll notice something troubling. Most people live and die in the same geographical location they were born in. We’ve lost that primal desire to explore—to push boundaries, venture into the unknown, and create new experiences. Unlike our ancestors who had to navigate unknown lands or traverse dangerous seas in search of better opportunities, we have everything handed to us at the click of a button.

This convenience has dulled our instincts, leaving us more willing to remain in our comfort zones than to take risks. Sure, there are those who travel or try new things, but for the vast majority of people, exploration has been reduced to short vacations rather than life-altering decisions.

Our motivations have shifted from survival and growth to maintaining a stable, comfortable life with minimal disruption. But this comes at a cost. The spirit of adventure, curiosity, and self-discovery has dimmed for many of us. We settle for predictable careers, predictable outcomes, and predictable lives. We’re no longer explorers of new frontiers but curators of the familiar.

What’s Holding You Back?

Take a moment and reflect. What’s keeping you from making that big leap, whether it’s starting your own business or demanding what you’re truly worth in your current role? Is it really about the money, or is it the fear of stepping into the unknown?

Imagine walking into your boss’s office and asking for a raise—not a modest 2% annual increase, but one that reflects your true value, your contribution, and your impact. It’s not as simple as asking for more money, is it? It’s about overcoming the fear of rejection, fear of being seen as demanding, or fear of disrupting the balance that keeps you in your comfort zone.

Now imagine quitting your job altogether. You’ve had a business idea in the back of your mind for years, but you haven’t acted on it. What’s really stopping you? Fear of instability? Fear that your idea might fail? It’s likely not just the paycheck holding you back, but the mental comfort of not having to risk everything for something unknown.

Rethinking Our Motivations

If we want to see real change—in ourselves, in our workplaces, in our lives—we need to rethink what motivates us. Money is important, yes, but it shouldn’t be the only reason we act. What about purpose, passion, growth, or even self-worth?

Consider how different our lives would be if we were motivated by the desire to explore new possibilities, even within ourselves. If we challenged ourselves to step outside the confines of financial security and embrace the risks that come with true personal development.

In a world where most people choose safety over adventure, where is the drive to go beyond the familiar? Are we content with the way things are, or are we ready to challenge the norm? If we continue to let money—and the fear of losing it—dictate our choices, we’ll miss out on the opportunities for real exploration, growth, and fulfillment.

What Will It Take to Change?

As we stand here in 2024, ask yourself: what will it take for me to demand my worth? What will it take for me to break free from the chains of comfort and start living boldly?

We’ve lost the desire to explore not just the world around us but ourselves. We accept less than we’re worth because it’s easier to stay where we are. But maybe it’s time to challenge that. Maybe it’s time to ask for more, not just in terms of money, but in terms of life experiences, opportunities, and self-discovery.

If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it. The world is vast, full of opportunities waiting to be explored—not just geographically, but mentally and emotionally. Let’s not let fear of change or comfort in routine hold us back any longer.

It’s time to reignite our inner explorer and step into the unknown. Because the truth is, the only real risk is never taking one at all.