What it is and why it matters
Self-motivation is the drive to set goals and work toward them without outside pressure. Employers value people who take initiative, and it's essential when you run your own business, where nobody else sets the pace.
Real-world example
Nobody assigned me my projects. I started a business, took on a nonprofit's social media, and began building an iPhone app for restoration crews because I saw a problem worth solving.
Getting that app from an idea to running on a real phone meant learning new tools on my own time.
My personal goals
- Set weekly goals and review them every Sunday
- Finish current projects before starting new ones
- Keep learning through courses and certifications
Watch
Angela Lee Duckworth: Grit, the power of passion and perseverance (TED)