If you see a little child you can see the spark in their eyes. As we grow we keep loosing that spark. Life gets harder and keeps sucking the motivation out of us. I think motivation is the most precious thing in life and we loose it so easily without even being fully aware of it. As I grew up the most difficult thing I've faced is to keep myself motivated. The dreams we dream don't just come true. Our reality is totally different from our dreams.
Hello jaibster I think a bit different motivation is the trigger to start something, but habbit and discipline is the long term fuel for our dreams. You mentioned children and it's a perfect example. Let's say children want to build a dog house they will start it with a smile and Flashy eyes, but after that they stop because it becomes hard and needs time. It's because they still don't have the discipline to finish.
Well if you say life takes away motivation as you grow, it will if you let it. Why not take motivation from life instead. Many people fail to appreciate the simple but wonderful things life gives us because we're too preoccupied chasing for a different life. Life is beautiful and i've realized that more as i grow old