This is a very important question to ask yourself. What is the true motivator of your actions? What type of situation makes you concerned solely with the outcome of your efforts?
It’s not money. Many times in my life I have chosen an option that resulted in less money than I could have had. It was usually so that I could put myself in a position to learn more.
Learning isn’t my biggest motivator either. I’ve also left situations with a highly desirable learning curve.
Ownership motivates me.
I am most motivated to succeed when my efforts result in a product that is mine. When I am directly accountable. When I have skin in the game. My motive, my engine, my drive, my will to act, comes from the understanding that I own what I create.
Why else would I want to create the best possible product?