Did you ever successfully motivate a person, to pick up a task, that might have a benefit 3 months from now? Most people don’t even think about the next month, except for some holiday or a birthday.

Wikipedia has a nice theoretical write up about motivation.

Do you do some thing that might benefit you after putting years of energy in it, without being obligated to do so? That feels great right? You’re doing stuff only for enjoyment, praise and money, but you don’t have to do it.

One of the biggest steps i’ve made to put obligation aside is not doing any client work any more.

Try not to do client work for a month. Only do stuff you enjoy and praises you and you might find your passion.