Motivation is not a resource that can be scraped together, but rather a response to stimuli, triggered by different parts of the brain and motivating us toward productivity in various ways. There are four common types of professional motivation: creative expression, financial incentive, curiosity/learning, and fear. Each type has its own unique neurochemical processes and effects on the brain, and understanding these can help identify how we work best and what kind of motivation produces the best results. By recognizing why we are motivated toward productivity, we can better manage our motivation and achieve more effective outcomes.