What defines self-motivation?

Self-motivation is defined by the ability and drive to initiate and pursue tasks independently, without needing external prompts or encouragement. This inherent drive enables individuals to set goals, take initiative, and persist in achieving those goals based on personal ambition and interests. When someone is self-motivated, they are proactive in their actions and demonstrate an intrinsic desire to improve and succeed.

In contrast, the other options illustrate behaviors that do not align with self-motivation. For example, waiting for others to instruct you indicates a dependence on external guidance, which is contrary to the essence of self-motivation. Avoiding tasks until deadlines suggests procrastination rather than a proactive approach to tasks. Lastly, reliance on rewards for task completion indicates motivation that depends on external incentives rather than internal drives; true self-motivation comes from within and is not solely reliant on external rewards or recognition. Thus, the characterization of self-motivation is accurately captured by the drive to pursue tasks without external prompts.