trading the markets which are you? no can't have both which do you pick? money motivated - to get the money - but not understand how you did it. intellectual challenge - to know the answer - but not get the money.
Interesting questions. Am I money motivated? Unfortunately, mostly not. Wish I was. It's like I don't care. Intellectual challenge? Mostly, yes. Mostly to find the best yield. It's addictive and rather unproductive, at least in the short term.
Solve the problem, with no hesitation. I'm competitive by nature, so I enjoy the challenge. The money is a pleasant by-product.