self-motivation
5 synonyms and 3 antonyms for self-motivation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The ability to get yourself to start and keep going at something without being pushed, supervised or rewarded by anyone else.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
self-discipline
self-starting
intrinsic motivation
Antonyms
How to use self-motivation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a high level of self-motivation
lack self-motivation
self-motivation and initiative
Neutral; heavily used in job adverts, applications and workplace writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between self-motivation and self-discipline?
Self-motivation is the want-to, the internal reason that makes you begin. Self-discipline is the do-it-anyway, the ability to continue when the want-to has gone. Most sustained work needs both, because motivation is unreliable and discipline is what covers the gap.
How do you show self-motivation on a CV?
Do not claim the trait, evidence it. Name something you started without being asked, say what it produced, and give a number if you have one, since an unprompted project with a result proves the point better than the adjective does.
Is self-motivation the same as intrinsic motivation?
They are close but not identical. Intrinsic motivation means doing something because the activity itself is rewarding; self-motivation covers driving yourself towards any goal, including a dull one you have chosen for external reasons.
