What term describes the internal drive that motivates a person to take action?

The term that describes the internal drive that motivates a person to take action is intrinsic motivation. This concept refers to the personal satisfaction or internal rewards one experiences when engaging in an activity. For instance, a person may be motivated to pursue a hobby or academic interest purely for the joy, fulfillment, or challenge it provides, rather than for any external reward or recognition.

Intrinsic motivation is essential in leadership and personal development because it often leads to greater persistence and effort in tasks, as individuals are driven by their passion and interests. This internal motivation helps foster creativity, engagement, and a deeper commitment to personal goals and responsibilities.

In contrast, extrinsic motivation involves external factors, such as rewards or recognition, while social and behavioral motivations focus on interpersonal influences and observable actions, respectively. However, intrinsic motivation remains at the core of true personal engagement and drives sustained action from within.