what are two words to describe the short story no gumption and why??

Just two words?

Motivation and Expectations

Oh yes, expectation because the narrator speaks of the pressure to make something of himself when he was a child. His mom demanded that he do more than sit in front of the television and prepare to make something of his life.

Motivation is kind of like gumption which is a theme of the story. The author explores what this means within the context of his life.

How did those traits prevent Baker from being a good salesperson