You can:

1. Love the activity
2. Love the result
3. Love neither

Some people love cooking, running, or making customers happy. Motivation is not a problem when you love the activity.

Others love eating the things they cook, the way they feel after running, or the business that comes from happy customers. Motivation is not a problem when you love the result.

Trouble arrives when you love neither the activity, nor the result. In that case, there are three choices: 

1. Make the activity more lovable

Find out what makes the activity annoying and then change how, when, where, or with whom it’s done. For example, run with a friend, eliminate unnecessary interruptions, or find a tool that makes the task easier.

2. Make the result more lovable

Clarify the value. What’s in it for me or anyone else? Or enhance the value with a reward or recognition. For yourself, that might mean promising a break when an unpleasant task is finished. For employees, that might mean helping them understand the importance of, and showing appreciation for, their contribution.

3. Recognize and resolve the mismatch between job and employee

Misery is a lousy profession. If you or an employee loves neither the activity, nor the result for too many hours of the day, it’s time to find a better fit. That could be as simple as reassigning responsibilities or delegating tasks. It could also mean changing jobs. No one wins when the fit is poor and neither the activity, nor the result is motivating.

Love the journey, love the goal, or change directions.