How do you motivate a kid

[merlinburton]

How do you motivate a kid who can sometimes be lazy academically?
When I was a kid I really wanted to learn and work hard. That same drive isn't there for my kid always. She's just not as curious about things, and isn't a self-starter. What are some tips to helping make my kid a bit more ambitious. I don't want her ending up living in a trailer some day!