Types of Motivation: The Untold Truth Behind What Really Drives You
I’m Gregg Swanson, a coach, athlete, and survivor. My journey has been marked by extreme challenges—whether it’s braving an avalanche on Mt. Rainier or competing in CrossFit.
For the last 20 years, I’ve been guiding others to develop the mental and emotional strength they need to overcome their own mountains. Let’s take the first step together by talking a look at the types of motivation.
The Real Reason You’re Not Motivated (And What to Do About It)
I still remember standing at the edge of that firewalk… barefoot, heart pounding, eyes locked on the glowing coals ahead of me. I wasn’t sure if I was terrified or thrilled. But one thing was certain… something deep inside me said, “You need to do this.” That wasn’t external pressure. That wasn’t for applause. That was pure, intrinsic motivation—the kind that rises from your gut, the kind that rewires your nervous system.
Motivation isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. In fact, the types of motivation that drive us are as varied as our goals, fears, and desires. Whether you’re pushing for a promotion, training for your first marathon, or simply trying to get out of bed with purpose, understanding the types of motivation at play could be the unlock you’ve been missing.
This article will break down:
- The core types of motivation and how they function
- Why most men over 35 hit plateaus
- How to shift from surface-level push to deep, lasting pull
- Real stories (including my own) to show you exactly how to apply this
Let’s dive in.
What Are the Different Types of Motivation?
Motivation is not just about “feeling hyped”—it’s a neurochemical, psychological, and behavioral phenomenon. And there are dozens of types of motivation, each with unique drivers, triggers, and effects.
Let’s break it down:
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
- Intrinsic: You do the thing because you love it. Like me, overcoming a stutter through relentless speech practice—not for praise, but to finally be heard.
- Extrinsic: You do it for a reward or to avoid punishment. Like grinding through a job just to pay the bills.
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) highlights:
- Autonomous Motivation: Voluntary, internally aligned.
- Controlled Motivation: Driven by guilt, obligation, or coercion.
- Amotivation: That dead-zone… where you feel nothing. Been there during a financial collapse—numb, checked out, zero direction.
Goal-Oriented Motivation
- Mastery Orientation: Growth for the sake of growth.
- Performance Orientation: Craving validation.
Other important types include:
- Fear-Based Motivation: Common, but corrosive.
- Purpose-Based Motivation: What kept me climbing Mt. Rainier even after nearly dying in an avalanche.
- Identity-Based Motivation: Behaving in alignment with who you believe you are. This one is everything.
These types of motivation are not just theory—they’re active in your life right now. But only one or two are likely dominating… and possibly holding you back.
Why Understanding Motivation Is Crucial for High Performers
Motivation isn’t a luxury. It’s the fuel behind everything. But here’s the catch—most men I coach are driven by external validation… and it burns out fast.
When I started public speaking through a network marketing business, I was petrified. But I pushed through—not because someone told me to, but because I needed to prove to myself I wasn’t a victim of my past. That’s identity-based and mastery-oriented motivation in action.
If you rely only on fear, pressure, or competition, your nervous system will eventually crash. That’s why understanding the types of motivation is essential:
- It creates sustainable energy.
- It shifts you from force to flow.
- It aligns your goals with your core values.
Imagine the difference between dragging yourself to the gym because you’re afraid of gaining weight versus training because you’re honoring your warrior identity.
The Beliefs Sabotaging Your Motivation
Let’s cut through the noise.
Most men are taught:
- “You have to hustle or you’re lazy.”
- “If it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t count.”
- “Real men don’t need motivation… they just grind.”
These beliefs are poison. They reinforce guilt-driven, fear-based motivation that’s bound to implode. During one of my lowest points—post-divorce, broke, recovering from surgery—I realized how deeply I was motivated by proving others wrong. And it worked… until it didn’t.
The problem? External motives don’t heal internal wounds. To truly transform, you must rewire the belief that force equals strength. True strength is aligned motivation.
That’s what we teach in the Warrior Mindset—mental control, emotional commitment, and inner clarity.
A Step-by-Step Framework to Upgrade Your Motivation
Want to shift your internal drive? Here’s how:
- Identify Your Dominant Motivation Type Are you driven by fear, reward, purpose, or growth?
- Audit Your Environment Motivation is contagious. Are your surroundings lifting or draining you?
- Reframe the Task Link the action to your identity. Don’t just “go to the gym”… Train like a warrior honoring his body.
- Use Dopamine Intentionally Celebrate small wins. Your brain thrives on progress.
- Anchor in Purpose Why does this matter to you? Surface goals don’t create depth.
This isn’t just about pushing harder. It’s about aligning deeper. Once I shifted from “prove them wrong” to “honor who I am,” everything changed—from my business to my relationships.
Two Real-Life Motivation Shifts
Story #1: From Numb to Purposeful
Mark, a 42-year-old executive, came to me burned out. He was grinding for external success—big title, six-figure income—but was miserable. We uncovered his true driver: he wanted to feel free. Through our work, he shifted from control-based to purpose-based motivation. Within months, he was leading with vision, not pressure.
Story #2: From Shame to Identity
At 16, I was laughed at during gym class for not being able to run a mile. That day I swore I’d never feel weak again. What started as fear-based motivation evolved into identity-based commitment. Today, I train not from insecurity… but from love for the warrior I’ve become.
These aren’t just feel-good stories. They’re proof that when you unlock the right types of motivation, everything becomes possible.
Motivation Killers to Avoid
- Relying Only on External Rewards: It works… until the reward loses its shine.
- Ignoring Your Emotional State: Burnout is a warning, not a badge of honor.
- Not Reviewing Your Why: Motivation fades when purpose gets cloudy.
- Comparing to Others: This hijacks your internal compass.
- Labeling Yourself as “Unmotivated”: Language creates identity.
Instead, ask: “What kind of motivation would get me excited right now?”
Advanced Motivation Strategies for Peak Performers
Ready to level up?
- Deliberate Discomfort: Seek out challenges that force growth.
- Mental Reps: Visualize success and rehearse the emotions of motivation.
- Track Identity-Based Habits: Measure how often your actions align with your values.
- Use Rituals: Anchor motivation with repeatable behaviors.
- Study Flow Science: Learn how to create the optimal state of challenge + skill.
I do this every week. Whether it’s firewalking, mountaineering, or CrossFit—ritual and risk keep me sharp.
Q&A: Breaking Down Common Motivation Questions
Q: Are types of motivation just another self-help trend?
A: Not at all. The types of motivation are grounded in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and performance research.
Q: Can you have more than one motivation type at a time?
A: Yes, but one usually dominates. The goal is to align them rather than conflict them.
Q: What if I feel zero motivation?
A: That’s amotivation. It often means your goals lack connection to your values or identity.
Q: Is fear-based motivation always bad?
A: No—it can kickstart action. But it’s unsustainable and often damaging long term.
Q: How do I switch from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation?
A: By anchoring tasks to your purpose, values, and identity… not just external outcomes.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Chase Motivation—Build It
Motivation isn’t magic. It’s not something you wait for. It’s something you create.
And the secret lies in understanding the types of motivation that move you… challenge you… define you.
You don’t need more hustle. You need alignment. Purpose. Mastery. Identity. That’s how you reignite your fire and stay in the game for the long haul.
Ready to explore which motivation style is ruling your life—and how to break through?
Step into your Warrior Mindset today… Book your breakthrough session and start reclaiming your power and potential.
