Motivation is the reason you act or behave in a particular way. No one can motivate you, but others can provide aids that help you find your impetus for action — or your why.

One thing to keep in mind while exploring motivational types is that there is a time and place for each type. Exploring them will identify what type of motivation will help you accomplish each goal.

There are two major motivation types — intrinsic and extrinsic — and five minor types — incentive, fear, achievement, affiliation and competence.

Intrinsic (internal). This occurs when an individual is motivated by their internal desires and rewarded with an internal satisfaction. For example, you set a goal for pulling two clips on a keg shoe in one heat. After achieving the goal, there is an internal sense of satisfaction. Both the reason and reward are from an internal source.

Extrinsic (external). This occurs when an individual is motivated by external forces and receives external rewards. For example, a farrier challenges you to a friendly contest with a cash reward for the winner. Both the reasons and reward are from external sources.

The minor types of motivation fall under the two major types of intrinsic or extrinsic.

Incentive…