A question asked by many teachers, is "How do we motivate the unmotivated kid?" There are many theories about motivation in the classroom and in order for these theories to work, they must become actionable strategies. These theories can be organized into five different categories: Enthusiasm, Empowerment, Encouragement, Emotions and Expectations. Any person who adds enthusiasm to teaching will be successful. John Wooden (2009) included enthusiasm as one of the blocks in his Pyramid of Success and stated that, "A leader lacking enthusiasm will infect the group with the same malady" (p. 40). Coaches like Jimmy Valvano believed that enthusiasm is the key to success. Most students are so starved for encouragement, they will accept it even if it is structured. Having students give each other high-fives or turn to each other and tell each other how smart or successful they are will add energy to the classroom. Filling students' emotional bank accounts will help motivate students. Discovering their emotional language or giving each student attention helps fill their emotional needs. Educational psychology has shown time and time again that students rise to the level of expectations. If students have high expectations of success their motivation will be high. Students have the tools needed to be successful if they believe that will be successful. It is a combination of self-efficacy and self-esteem. This presentation contains six practical lessons from the author's experience that relate to these theories. [This is a keynote presentation for Southeast Professors of Middle Level Education Collaboration in the Middle: Middle grades to higher education promoting, advocating, igniting support for middle schools. May 18, 2018.]