The work-energy theorem states that the work done on a system is equal to the change in translational and rotational kinetic energy of the system. However, there are cases in which the work-energy theorem provides for so-called paradoxes. In these situations, there is no work done by an external static force (which does not act through a distance) and yet the kinetic energy of the system has increased. To help patch up the discrepancy between both sides of the work-energy equation, the literature discusses "pseudowork", which is identified as not real work. Although the literature states or implies that energy within a system is directly transformed into kinetic energy, we argue that real work must actually be performed to increase the kinetic energy. That is, we argue that real work is performed because energy within a system is transformed into work done on the system. In these cases, a system interacts with an external object (with sufficient inertia to remain static) through equal and opposite forces. Although an external static force does not act through a distance at the system’s boundary, the external static force is transferred within the system, imparting an unbalanced force that acts through a distance to perform external work within the system itself. This is somewhat similar to the way in which the external force of gravity can act within a system to perform work, where the force of gravity is taken to act at the center of mass.