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Self-motivation is the force that keeps pushing us to go on; it is our internal drive to achieve, produce, develop, and keep moving forward. When we think we're ready to give up, or we just don't know how to start, our self-motivation is what gets (and keeps) us going.

Self-motivation is linked to our level of initiative in setting challenging goals for ourselves, our belief that we have the skills and abilities needed to achieve those goals and our expectation that, if we put in enough effort, we will succeed in improving.
Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that comes from inside us rather than from any external rewards, such as money or high marks. The motivation comes from the pleasure we get from the task itself or from the sense of satisfaction in completing, or even just working on a task.

If we are intrinsically motivated we’re likely to choose working on a difficult problem because we find it enjoyable or because the challenge of finding a solution provides us with a sense of pleasure. Intrinsic motivation does not mean, however, that we don’t also seek external rewards.

Four factors are necessary to build the strongest levels of self-motivation:

1. Self-assurance and self-confidence: Being highly self-assured means we will set challenging goals for ourselves; self assurance makes us more resilient when we encounter setbacks.
2. Positive thinking and self-efficacy: Self-efficacy is a belief in our own ability to succeed and our ability to achieve the goals we set for ourselves.
3. Focus and clear goal setting: Setting clear goals gives us focus, a clear sense of direction and the self-confidence that comes from recognising our own achievements.
4. A motivating environment: Surrounding ourselves with people and resources that remind us of our goals supports our internal motivation.

Other factors that can affect our motivation to work and learn include:

• interest in the subject matter;
• perception of a subject matter's usefulness and cultural capital;;
• general desire to achieve;
• patience and persistence;
• the response of significant others to our achievements;
• goal-orientated rewards such as qualifications, career achievements and financial inducements.

Levels of self-motivation differ according to our personalities, how we feel about our progress, and how others construe our present and past achievements.   

 It is important to recognise that past experience is a critical factor in how we present ourselves and that an inclusive environment and enabling attitudes are prerequisites for encouraging self motivation to flourish.
Although most people depend on self motivation in the following employability skills, this does not mean that people who have difficulties with self motivation cannot possess these skills; rather, they may need reasonable adjustments to practice to enable them to develop or evidence the skills. 

Please click on the links below for a generic description of each employability skill that may be affected by limited self motivation.

• Adaptability
  
• Commercial/ Sector Awareness
  
• Problem Solving
  
• Self-management
  
• Time Management
  

Click below to read about the possible effects of limitations to self motivation on the specified skills as well as adjustments to practice/inclusive strategies.

• Self Motivation and Adaptability
  
• Self Motivation / Commercial Sector Awareness
  
• Self Motivation and Problem Solving
• Self Motivation and Self Management
• Self Motivation and Time Management