“External motivation” means that your motivation to attain your goal comes from a source outside yourself.

Sample goal that is externally motivated:

I will make a 3.5 GPA in college so that my parents will buy me a car.

It’s okay to be externally motivated by such things as getting higher grades, praise from your family, or earning more money, however, it will be harder for you to stay highly motivated in the areas where you only have ulterior reasons for being in those situations.

Performing tasks to look good for others or to please your family can be difficult to maintain. Constantly using external motivation when you are confronted with difficult tasks requires a great deal or effort.