Let's start by looking at what motivation means. We separate word motivation into two parts; m-o-t-i-v and a-t-i-o-n. When we add letter e to end of first part and letter c to second space of second part, we get motive and action. Motivation simply means a motive to take action.

You might want to make more money, improve your lifestyle, or do any number of things that your daydreams are filled with. By looking closely at what you want, you begin to understand real reason you want it. That becomes your motive, which helps you to be more prepared to take action.

It is better to be motivated by positive emotions rather than negative emotions. If you want to quit your job because you don't like boss and you hate long commute, those are negative emotions. However, if you want to quit your job so you can be self-employed and to spend more time at home with your children, those are positive emotions.

Doing something for reasons that have positive emotions is more conducive to your success than doing it for reasons that have negative emotions.