🌟 Word of the Day 16 Ṣafar 1447 AH – August 10, 2025 ‘Self Motivation’ 🌟

Coach Ward

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3–4 min read

Welcome back to our Business English Word of the Day series. Today’s term is self motivation, the inner drive that powers consistent action, even when no one is watching and no rewards are immediately visible. In leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, self motivation is the fuel that carries you through challenges and sustains your focus over time.

📖 What Does “Self Motivation” Mean?

Self motivation is the ability to initiate and persist in tasks without external pressure or incentives. It means your drive comes from within, fueled by your personal values, beliefs, and purpose.

Examples:

• “Her self motivation kept her studying late into the night, even after a long workday.”

• “Self motivation allowed the team to complete the project ahead of schedule without needing constant supervision.”

🧠 The Root of True Motivation

Many people experience burnout because their primary motivation comes from external factors; money, recognition, or status. While these can be useful secondary motivators, they often burn out like a candle: bright at first, but quick to fade.

To truly sustain daily effort, your motivation must come from within, a sense of knowing that what you’re doing is beneficial for you, and that its value extends beyond yourself.

In Islam, this aligns closely with the concept of taqwā, a conscious awareness of Allah that shapes our actions and intentions. From this awareness flows a deep sense of purpose that is stronger than money, fame, or any worldly incentive. When your “self” motivation is anchored in something greater than yourself, it becomes resilient and enduring.

🧬 Word Origin: Where Does “Self Motivation” Come From?

• Self: from Old English self, meaning “one’s own person.”

• Motivation: from the Latin motivus (“moving”) and movere (“to move”).

Put together, “self motivation” literally means “movement initiated by one’s own self.”

📌 Signs of a Self-Motivated Person

1. Consistency – They show up every day, even when no one is holding them accountable.

2. Resilience – They adapt after setbacks and keep moving forward.

3. Goal Clarity – They know why they’re doing something and keep their eyes on the bigger picture.

4. Initiative – They start tasks without needing to be told.

5. Positive Mindset – They focus on solutions, not excuses.

🚀 How to Develop Self Motivation

• Connect to Your “Why” – Identify the deeper purpose behind your work or goal.

• Anchor in Taqwā – Let your awareness of Allah guide your daily actions.

• Set Clear Goals – Break them into smaller steps for measurable progress.

• Reward Progress – Acknowledge and celebrate small wins.

• Surround Yourself with Drive – Spend time with people who inspire you to push forward.

📌 Examples in Action

1. “His self motivation led him to start a side business while working full-time.”

2. “Athletes with strong self motivation keep training even in the off-season.”

3. “Self motivation helped her learn a new language without a formal class.”

💡 Your Turn

Reflect: What is the deepest reason you keep going when challenges arise? If your motivation relies only on external rewards, what would change if it came from within?

Self motivation is more than willpower, it’s a mindset anchored in purpose. When that purpose is connected to something greater than yourself, it becomes an unstoppable force.

Let’s keep growing, one word at a time!