If you follow “Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs” it seems very basic but I believe some people never get past one point because that is their true motivator. Those that are into possessions need to keep acquiring new items to the point that it can never truly end while those who want affection may never get enough to satisfy their desires. I concur that we all begin striving for the basic items to survive but then our own personalities cause us to go in different directions.
In my life the motivation that inspire me depend on what I’m trying to accomplish. Initially it was to insure I can provide a decent lifestyle for me and my family but now it’s at the level of esteem and self actualization. If what I’m working for doesn’t fulfill those goals then I’m losing my drive to pursue the “end game”. I might want the latest cell phone but I’m willing to trade in for the feeling of creating something new, getting an extra thank you or solving a problem that others have given up on.
