Motivation in Design is a key element. It starts in school, in any design class (doesn't matter the field) there are always some students who show a big self motivation and are capable to lead the quality and creativity of their class. Those students will have a better chance to succeed in real life.
Motivation, in my opinion, is also a teacher issue. Motivated teachers are able to better provoke students motivation and creativity, just like a coach in sport.
Motivation is also a manager issue in a Design studio. Motivated people interact better, they are more productive and good in problem-solving.
Motivated designers are those that usually get a lot of job to do, too. However; do not think that it is just a way to take advantage of someone because on the long run it pays well. Meritocracy is connected to level of motivation, not just the naked results at the end of a given project. In a good team work its leader, most of cases, is a motivated person.
Lets go back to school now, when I travel to visit design colleges I meet a lot of students dreaming to become designers. I assist at their presentations and while they talk I observe them, I question them, I study their reactions because at the end I am looking for talent - passion - motivation.
My conclusion on this topic is that all starts in school. Your sense of responsability and auto-motivation to accomplish your final goal, to be a designer, will help you day by day to build up your strong inner part to produce good well thought out creativity with the right quality. You will be molded not just to be a designer but also to go over it and grow within a Design organisation for more important roles.
I know that all this is not automatic for everybody, but remember that you must give your best always in order to deserve that chance out there waiting somewhere for you!
Good luck!
