Overview
The best way to approach a problem today is to learn more about it. Educate yourself on every aspect of the forces and people around you -- because when you know what motivates them, you'll know how to motivate them -- and the power is in your hands. Interestingly enough, the reverse is also true -- the more they know about your motivations, the more they can influence you. You get to decide whether or not you want to keep the playing field level, so be as open as you want.