challenge

                The one major factor that motivated people was the work itself.  If the work was exciting and interesting, the worker looked forward to doing it and was motivated to do a good job.

                That is what every successful person loves: the game.  The chance for self-expression.  The chance to prove his or her worth, to excel, to win.  That is what makes footraces and hog-calling and pie-eating contests.  The desire to excel.  The desire for a feeling of importance.