Is Self-Motivation a Skill and Can It Be Developed Through Training?

Given the benefits of being self-motivation, your next question might be, Can I become more self-motivated?

The answer is a definite “yes.”

Self-motivation is driven by a set of skills that are within your control. Read on to learn how to use this to your advantage.

12 Tips and Skills to Motivate Yourself Today

The Skills You Need website lists six vital skills that form the foundation of self-motivation, and they are all skills that you can develop through sustained effort:

1. Setting high but realistic goals (e.g., SMART goals);
2. Taking the right level of risk;
3. Constantly seeking feedback to figure out how to improve;
4. Being committed to personal and/or organizational goals and going the extra mile to achieve them;
5. Actively seeking out opportunities and seizing them when they occur;
6. Being able to deal with setbacks and continue to pursue your goals despite obstacles (i.e., resilience).

Further, there are six things you can do to maintain your self-motivation:

1. Continue learning and acquiring knowledge (i.e., develop a love of learning);
2. Spend time with motivated, enthusiastic, and supportive people;
3. Cultivate a positive mindset and build your optimism and resilience;
4. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work on them;
5. Avoid procrastination and work on your time management skills;
6. Get help when you need it, and be willing to help others succeed (Skills You Need, n.d.).