I like being able to say look how far I went. Be it longest trip or total miles this week/month/year. Its more for me then any one else. When I'm pushing past one of my previous bests I get excited. Looking at how far I've come now its time to set my next goal.
I look at things almost like a game. "For the next level (of training)I can't drop past gear 'X' on this hill". Need to make it to point 'B' faster next time." I push my self to try a little harder every time I go out. When I get back I focus on how good I did and then that fades away and is replaced with thoughts of "I can do better then that and I'm going to prove it."