6 Theories of Motivation That Will Help You Achieve Your Goals
Thu Feb 05 2026
Let’s be real. If motivation was as simple as reading an inspirational quote and drinking a green smoothie, we’d all be billionaires with six-packs and zero emails in our inbox.
However, it’s not and you know that already.
The truth? Motivation is a bit of a trickster. One minute you’re firing on all cylinders, and the next you’re rearranging your desktop icons and Googling "how many almonds is too many almonds."
So, let’s drop the rah-rah for a second and talk about what actually drives behavior, especially when you're already successful and looking for something more. Not just more money. More clarity. More discipline. More progress on the things that still matter.
Turns out, the answer’s been around for decades. It’s called motivation theory— the psychology of what makes people tick. Most of it’s been locked away in grad school lectures and HR seminars. Once you strip the jargon, it’s surprisingly useful.
Here’s a breakdown of the six motivation theories that can actually help you move forward when you’re stuck or coasting along.
Put an end to the procrastination cycle and make progress on your goals with my Guide to Stopping Procrastination! Download my complimentary Guide now by going to https://www.accountabilitycoach.com/podcast.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Get the proven strategies and resources you need for massive success. Subscribe to my blog now by going to https://accountabilitycoach.com/blog and start transforming your business today!
I’m the author of many books, including, Excuses Don’t Count; Results Rule, Live Life with No Regrets, No Excuses, The Guide to Stopping Procrastination, The Power of Visualization, My Gratitude Journal, the Work Life Balance Emergency Kit, and The Roadmap To Success with Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, and more.
Aim for what you want each and every day!
Anne Bachrach
The Accountability Coach™
Unlock a blueprint to creating and having your ideal business and ideal life by scheduling your free consultation with me today!
Want more proven business success tips and resources? Subscribe to my blog by going to www.acountabilitycoach.com/blog.
Go to https://www.accountabilitycoach.com to check out for yourself how I, as your Accountability Coach™, can help you get and stay focused on you highest payoff activities that put you in the highest probability position to achieve your professional and personal goals, so you can enjoy the kind of business and life you truly want and deserve.
I’m the author of many books, including, Excuses Don’t Count; Results Rule, Live Life with No Regrets, No Excuses, The Guide to Stopping Procrastination, The Power of Visualization, My Gratitude Journal, the Work Life Balance Emergency Kit, and The Roadmap To Success with Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, and more.
Aim for what you want each and every day!
Anne Bachrach
The Accountability Coach™
Get your daily Accountability Minute shot of a single, simple, doable idea, so you can start your day off on the "right foot". You can find The Accountability Minute on your favorite platform
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Let’s be real. If motivation was as simple as reading an inspirational quote and drinking a green smoothie, we’d all be billionaires with six-packs and zero emails in our inbox. However, it’s not and you know that already. The truth? Motivation is a bit of a trickster. One minute you’re firing on all cylinders, and the next you’re rearranging your desktop icons and Googling "how many almonds is too many almonds." So, let’s drop the rah-rah for a second and talk about what actually drives behavior, especially when you're already successful and looking for something more. Not just more money. More clarity. More discipline. More progress on the things that still matter. Turns out, the answer’s been around for decades. It’s called motivation theory— the psychology of what makes people tick. Most of it’s been locked away in grad school lectures and HR seminars. Once you strip the jargon, it’s surprisingly useful. Here’s a breakdown of the six motivation theories that can actually help you move forward when you’re stuck or coasting along. Put an end to the procrastination cycle and make progress on your goals with my Guide to Stopping Procrastination! Download my complimentary Guide now by going to https://www.accountabilitycoach.com/podcast. Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Get the proven strategies and resources you need for massive success. Subscribe to my blog now by going to https://accountabilitycoach.com/blog and start transforming your business today! I’m the author of many books, including, Excuses Don’t Count; Results Rule, Live Life with No Regrets, No Excuses, The Guide to Stopping Procrastination, The Power of Visualization, My Gratitude Journal, the Work Life Balance Emergency Kit, and The Roadmap To Success with Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, and more. Aim for what you want each and every day! Anne Bachrach The Accountability Coach™ Unlock a blueprint to creating and having your ideal business and ideal life by scheduling your free consultation with me today! Want more proven business success tips and resources? Subscribe to my blog by going to www.acountabilitycoach.com/blog. Go to https://www.accountabilitycoach.com to check out for yourself how I, as your Accountability Coach™, can help you get and stay focused on you highest payoff activities that put you in the highest probability position to achieve your professional and personal goals, so you can enjoy the kind of business and life you truly want and deserve. I’m the author of many books, including, Excuses Don’t Count; Results Rule, Live Life with No Regrets, No Excuses, The Guide to Stopping Procrastination, The Power of Visualization, My Gratitude Journal, the Work Life Balance Emergency Kit, and The Roadmap To Success with Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, and more. Aim for what you want each and every day! Anne Bachrach The Accountability Coach™ Get your daily Accountability Minute shot of a single, simple, doable idea, so you can start your day off on the "right foot". You can find The Accountability Minute on your favorite platform