Fuel for Motivation

Entrepreneurship normally requires individuals to have high levels of motivation when planning and starting a new business.
There is no simple formula for motivation — you must keep a open viewpoint on human nature. There is a complex array of forces steering the direction of each person and these forces cannot always be seen or studied. In addition, if the same forces are steering two different people, each one may act differently. Knowing that each person may react to different needs will guide your decisions and actions in certain situations. While many types of motivation exist in the business environment, internal motivation may be thought of as an individual’s personal “drive.” This informal description describes an individual’s personal character traits for achieving goals and creating a successful business.

A person's motivation is a combination of desire and energy directed at achieving a goal. It is the cause of action. Influencing someone's motivation means getting them to want to do what you know must be done. (U.S. Army Handbook, 1973).

People can be motivated by such forces as beliefs, values, interests, fear, and worthy causes. Some of these forces are internal, such as needs, interests, and beliefs. Others are external, such as danger, the environment, or pressure from a loved one. An individual’s personal drive is often the starting point of motivation. This drive helps individuals focus on specific goals they wish to achieve or how they wish to improve their life.