Thoughts on Motivation

I had a discussion on motivation last night, rather extensively with half a dozen people describing their motivations in careers and life, and this morning in regards to college and running. A few thoughts:

• Motivation is like a pine tree. It starts as a seed inside a cone. First you have to figure out how to get it out of the cone, then you can plant it and water it and try to protect it from animals, but ultimately you can not make it grow. If you are fortunate to experience it start to grow then it has to face fires and animals when it is young. If grows larger, it will be strong and can further develop and mature without squirrels and deer eating it or surface fires burning it down. In other words, motivation is hard to get started, but once it's on the right path, it will become very strong.
• People have a hard time articulating her or his motivation. I have a hard time and I still think about it all the time. 
• There is a certain competitiveness, or as I sometimes say a "hate yourself" feeling, associated with motivation. The achievements are never enough. I (or you) want to be the best I (or you) can be.
• Motivation begins at a young age. It can begin at an older age, but either way it takes years to develop.
• Not all people are motivated by goals, many are motivated (often women) by relationships. 

What motivates you?