Motivation is feeling moved to do something or being energized towards an end.  Underlying attitudes and goals affect motivation.

Self-determination theory: intrinsically motivated to do something because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable and extrinsically motivated to do something because it will lead to a separate outcome.  Tasks/activities can switch between being intrinsically and extrinsically motivating, even in the middle of a task!

Our quality of performance will be determined by our motivation.