This feels like the kind of essay describing a thing that, if you have to be told about it, you don't have it.
I'm on HN during my work day. People who "work hard" probably aren't. They probably only know about pg through direct connections, not through idly scrolling the Internet bored one day.
The thing about finding motivation is that you don't actually find it.
There are certain things you want out of life as a human being, and if believe your work is aligned with that, you'll pour your soul into it.
On the other hand, if you see work as a distraction from the rest of your life, working will be an uphill battle. I guess it's important to find work you care about, or find a deeper, more meaningful reason to do work.
I'm on HN during my work day. People who "work hard" probably aren't. They probably only know about pg through direct connections, not through idly scrolling the Internet bored one day.