What this question is really asking
Interviewers ask this to understand what drives you and whether the role can provide it. They are also screening for self-awareness: people who give vague answers ("I am just a naturally motivated person") often do not understand what conditions they need to perform well. The best answers reveal specific motivating factors and connect them directly to what this role offers — showing that the candidate has thought carefully about whether this job is actually the right fit for them.
How to structure your answer
Name two or three specific things that genuinely motivate you, give a brief example of each, and connect at least one to what this role provides.
Strong example answer: "Three things keep me motivated. First, seeing the thing I worked on being used. I check usage metrics every week — not because I am told to but because I find it genuinely satisfying when people use something I built. Second, learning something difficult. In periods where I feel I am not growing, I lose energy faster. Third, being part of a team where people hold themselves to high standards — that energy is contagious and lifts my own work. This role appeals specifically because the technical challenges are real, the team has a reputation for high standards, and you mentioned there is significant ownership over shipped features."
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not claim that nothing demotivates you or that you are always motivated: it is not credible and it signals you have not reflected on the question. Do not say your motivation is purely financial ("I stay motivated because the pay is good"): it suggests you would leave for more money. Do not give an answer that has no connection to the specific role or company: "I am motivated by complex problems" followed by no link to what this company offers misses the point.
What if you struggle with motivation in certain situations?
Acknowledge the reality and show self-management. "I find repetitive, predictable work drains my energy over time. I have learned to manage this by setting personal improvement goals within those tasks — if I have to do the same thing repeatedly, I try to find a way to do it faster or better each time, or to automate part of it. It does not eliminate the dip but it gives me something to engage with." This is more honest and more useful to an interviewer than claiming to be universally motivated.