on Change and Growth Part 2

Motivation.

Everybody (hopefully) has tried changing at some point, but in my experience, few of these attempts seem to bear fruit because at some point, the motivation almost invariably evaporates.

Some people are motivated by money, others by power, maybe by comfort, love, guilt, hunger, fame, accountability, fear, morals, rewards, etc.

What motivates you? What kinds of motivations have you had that seem to stick around more than others?

Here's a thought -- we're all familiar with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Does it seem that the higher you go on the hierarchy the weaker your motivations to achieve higher needs gets? Is a sign of strong character the ability to maintain motivation for higher needs?

On another angle, do you have any motivations you wish were stronger than they are? For example, we're looking to buy a house, but our resources haven't grown to that point yet. I know I'm talented and capable, and that if I could just apply myself more I could find these resources, but sometimes I just can't muster the motivation to do so. Shouldn't independent housing be a great motivation to work harder?

Lots of questions, I know, but I'm interested in seeing how other people deal with such problems. Why? I'm very excited by possibility, and I can see myself being stronger and more accomplished in a great many worthwhile things. The whole world is big and open and full of unimaginable treasure just waiting for the person who can reach out and pull it into his reality. I want to be one of those people.