What keeps you motivated?
Motivation is a mix of 2 forces in varying degrees of strength - one being a "push" and the other a "pull".
The "push" is a move away from things you don't want happening.
The "pull" is towards rewards and goals.
Knowing what you don't want is as important as knowing what you do.
Sometimes, getting yourself into a tight situation can be really motivating - like the time we signed an OTP deal and we weren't sure we could get financing (this was very early on when we knew very little...) so we worked our backsides off making and saving money like crazy to build up a 30% deposit in 2 years (we figured that would be "safe").
Similarly when we "bit off a bit more than we could chew" and ran into some tight cash flow and serviceability issues (hey, only paid 16% tax that year though!
)
People might think such scenarios are "demotivating" but when you're in there, you don't think of anything else but getting the situation fixed - and afterwards, to build up protection and buffers.
Having others relying on you is also a big motivator too (again this will be a big "YUCK" for people at first thought) - eg kids, family etc.
For me, in my day job, I have a team of people relying on me to direct them, leads them and make decisions - that affects their lives and livelihoods. Whilst I am sure that they'll get by fine these days without me, I'd like to contribute what I can to make their lives a bit easier (although sometimes I make it harder for them instead!!).
When it comes to my "other job" as a lecturer/presenter, there is no way I could leave 60 people sitting wondering where I was - they've given up time for me - that's motivating.
Finally, people think I am a religious fanatic because I attend church 3 times a week (one weeknight, Saturday night and Sunday mornings) - but again the big motive for me is the need to serve the congregation - as a musician during hymn singing, and occasionally leading the service out front. I have been recently given the honour of being able to bless the bread for the Holy Communion - now there's motivation for you - imagine everyone waiting around wondering where the dude that does the prayers and breaks the bread is!!
(let alone some divine retribution or something!)
The Y-man