I believe that Motivation comes from within, whatever you decide to do or not do, is your own decision. Relying on other peoples compliments and words of encouragement is quite stupid if you ask me, because in due time you'll start doing things to impress others and expect compliments from them, thus being depenedent on irrelevent people/things. You must always motivate yourself within your capabilities, for example, ask yourself questions like; What will happen if I fail? Who am I doing this for? Will my pride allow me to disspoint myself or my family?.... These types of questions motivate you already, or you can develop a pro and con list where you listen the good and the bad, for example; If I study I pass, if I pass I write exam if I write exam I move on to the next year and I am most likely to get a job, but if I dont study, I fail, if I fail I dont write exam, if I dont write exam I repeat the year and I dont get a job. Motivation must keep you up, must be what comes from the depth of your heart and mind, to lead you to greater achievements because only you know the extent of your capabilities. So do your best to never listen to people who try to manipulate you but instead focus on yourself, your goals, prons and cons as well as strengths and weakness and how you can better yourself as an individual