What motivates an individual to be successful varies with the individual. Internal and external factors can be sources of motivation. Some people are also motivated by the task or for personal benefit.

Internal motivation comes from within. There is no reliance on external motivation which may not be as impactful. Internal motivation is related to our self-concept. If we are confident in ourselves, we’re more likely to be motivated.  Where does this confidence come from… life experiences.  When we experience large and small achievements, our motivation increases, encouraging us to continue to set goals and grow. Small achievements, though small, have a great impact on our self-confidence over time.  It shows consistency, necessary for success.

We can visit past achievements to see what motivated us and use it to move forward. If our internal motivation is intact, there’s less likelihood of our efforts being redirected. We’re in control when self-motivated.

Internal motivation is more than a mental exercise. Our emotions are involved.  Being emotionally charged is a spark to move in the desired direction of what our mind has identified. 

External motivation, from outside sources, can boost, or deflate, our desire to achieve success. External forces which are related to the desired goal can sometimes provide insight we’re not aware of. One benefit of external motivation is providing insight into our alignment with what we are doing. It can see our potential, enabling us to move faster towards our goal. External motivation can also be objective, providing insight we maybe would not acknowledge because of our perspective, being subjective. Unfortunately, negative external motivation can deflate our desires by inputting doubt in our ability to succeed. And if we are lacking in internal motivation, our goal will be averted, changed, or even destroyed.

Being task motivated may involve internal motivation, what we bring to the table, and sometimes external motivation in the form of support.

All aspects of the task are viewed in terms of actions to continue the forward progress. What’s in my toolbox that I can use? Being able to identify specific skills and abilities are self-motivating (internal) factors contributing to success. People who are familiar with the task are external motivators who provide support that can be task oriented, emotional or both.

Motivation for personal benefit or gain can be tricky. If you view personal gain with achieving success in your field, CONGRATULATIONS!  You’re reaching for the top in your area of expertise.  However, if your motivation comes from personal gain, and it’s at the expense of others, our character is at risk.  Then it’s a matter of deciding if this is really the approach we want to pursue to be successful.  In situations like this, the success may be short-lived.

Regardless of the source, success is a journey.  The journey is ongoing, and chances are we may experience all the sources of motivation provided. The option is yours to choose, as needed.