This is the desire to act in service of a goal. Some people think that motivation is something that you have inside you. Perhaps partially so. But this is more of an action, a verb rather than a noun which makes it passive. You are motivated when the desire of attaining a goal drives you to do the things that need to be done in a regular and consistent basis for that goal, which sometimes could mean maintaining a defined identity.
Remember you can only give what you have, which is why self-motivation is an essential component of a leader. Staying motivated is an essential element in setting and attaining your objectives.
Understanding human nature and what drives motivation is essential. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs gives us a good framework for this. According to Maslow, humans are inherently motivated to better themselves and move toward expressing their full potential—self-actualization—by progressively encountering and satisfying several levels of need from the most fundamental, such as for food and safety, to higher-order needs for love, belonging, and self-esteem. Understanding this framework helps us determine what drives us and how we can also drive others to their goals.
What are you doing today for an identified goal? Do you feel motivated as a result of your actions?
What do you need to reflect on that will increase your actions today for that goal, that objective?
Are you motivating others by your actions?