Essay

The essay will commence with definitions on self-motivation and self-management. Self-
motivation is also known as intrinsic or self-motivation and it is described as the motivation
that arises from the internal desires of an individual for the satisfaction and fulfilment of certain
specific needs (Whiteley, 2002). In contrast to external motivation, self-motivation is internal
and unobservable. It is responsible for producing effort, drive and persistence of a person
toward achieving pre-determined objectives (Luthans, 2002). The concept of self-motivation
can also be described as the initiative to do or achieve something because of one’s own
enthusiasm (Alexander, et al., 2000). According to Hsiu-Fen, (2007), self-motivation is about
being ready to engage in driven and focused behaviour. It is also defined as an initiative to
undertake or continue a task without prodding from another person or persons (Schermerhorn,
et al., 2003).

On the other hand, self-management can be defined as the management by oneself (Bartol &
Locke, 2002). Self-management involves a person taking responsibility for his or her behaviour
(Stringer, et al., 2011). According to Luthans, (2002), self-management involves the personal
application of change behaviour tactics which brings about changes in one’s behaviour (Jex &
Britt, 2008). Self-management can also refer to an individual’s ability to properly regulate their
emotions and resulting behaviours in a way that is considered acceptable in society
(Schermerhorn, et al., 2003). It involves the way that individual would cope with unsatisfied
needs or wants, and how they would persevere when they are faced with obstacles, and also
how they would set objectives for themselves (Schermerhorn, et al., 2003).

There will now be a discussion about the role of self-motivation in my study. I believe that
when it comes to my study, self-motivation would play a very significant and integral role.
This is especially so in the present higher education, where self-motivation would function as
a very essential factor which is able to enhance a person’s confidence (Luthans, 2002).
Essentially speaking, self-motivation would enhance my enthusiasm with higher education,
and it provides me with the energy I need to perform well in both these domains (Whiteley,
2002). I do believe that if I were to achieve success in higher education, I would typically need
a lot of self-motivation and this is necessary so that I have a higher self-esteem (Milne, 2007).
It is self-motivation that provides me with the desire to perform in my study (Alexander, et al.,
2000). A combination of self-motivation and self-determination allows me to overcome some
of the most difficult obstacles in my study (Burke & Lisa, 2009).
In the sphere of higher education, I would require self-motivation because it is only with very
high self-motivation that I am able to face challenges and be able to capitalize on opportunities
(Milne, 2007). Besides that, the compelling force of self-motivation also would help me to plan
my study life very well and it also helps to ease any difficulties I would face (Whiteley, 2002).
More importantly, self-motivation would also provide me with a new sense of purpose in higher
education and it also helps provide a proper direction to my study life (Alexander, et al., 2000).
I also believe that a high degree of self-motivation is very important when it comes to providing
me with a lot of enthusiasm in my higher education life (Bartol & Locke, 2002). By being self-
motivated, I am able have a more fulfilling life during my higher education (Bartol & Locke,
2002). Self-motivation is very important in empowering and encouraging me to face difficult
times in higher education (Schermerhorn, et al., 2003). I am of the opinion that being self-
motivated is greatly important in filling me with a lot of positive energy and it also helps to
enhance my enthusiasm with my study (Milne, 2007). Overall, I think that self-motivation is
very important for me to endure higher education and it provides me with a strong identity for
myself (Jex & Britt, 2008).

There will now be a discussion about how self-management would be a factor of personal
concern as a deciding factor in my studies and career. Self-management is a factor that is of
great personal concern to me as it would help me through my studies and my career (Aubrey,
2010). Self-management would ensure that I would achieve perfection in goal setting and time
management (O'Neil, 2003). The fact is that enhancing my concentration and motivation would
help me overcome procrastination in my studies and career (Luthans, 2002). Effective self-
management would help prevent stress during study and work and it would provide me with
more opportunities to become involved (Alexander, et al., 2000). One of the main skills in the
process of self-management is the concept of self-regulation and this involves the monitoring,
directing and controlling and all essential parts of learning and working (Aubrey, 2010).

There are a number of indicators of self-management and these include self-control, stress
management, perseverance and goal-setting (Armstrong, 2006). The combination of these with
my personal and social assets would help to facilitate positive development psychologically
and emotionally (Ibarra, 2003). This would be very important in my study and at work (O'Neil,
2003). Strict and efficient self-management also helps to reduce or prevent negative behaviours
and more importantly, it would help me acquire the sort of skills, competencies and assets
which allows me to effectively manage myself in higher education and also at the workplace
(Aubrey, 2010).
Practically speaking, effective self-management would give me the ability to perform well in
higher education and also at work (Aubrey, 2010). It would help reduce counterproductive
behaviours, and it would help me perform much better overall (Ibarra, 2003). For instance, an
unwanted and inappropriate display of anger might result in me being removed from my class
or workplace. However, with proper self-management, such things can be avoided and positive
behaviours can be reinforced (Aubrey, 2010).
References

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