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noun

self-motivation

self-moh-ti-VAY-shuhn

Self-motivation (noun) means the ability to get yourself to start and keep going at something without being pushed, supervised or rewarded by anyone else. Example: “Working from home takes real self-motivation.”

noun
1
The ability to get yourself to start and keep going at something without being pushed, supervised or rewarded by anyone else.
"Working from home takes real self-motivation."
"Her self-motivation carried her through two years of unpaid research."

How to Use Self-motivation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing able to make yourself do things without anyone pushing you.

When to use it

Neutral; heavily used in job adverts, applications and workplace writing.

Easily confused with
self-discipline willpower initiative
Common pairings
a high level of self-motivation lack self-motivation self-motivation and initiative
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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Working from home takes real _____.

drive initiative self-discipline self-starting intrinsic motivation

Antonyms

Related Words

Rhymes for self-motivation

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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.

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