Trying to define the term self motivation can be an entire lesson unto itself. Because to properly define it you will have to quantify several things which tend to resist definition. Take for instance the notion of self. What does it mean when we use that phrase? And when we use the word motivate are we referring to the idea where the drive comes from within? Or are we referring to an external source of drive? That is why to properly define the word of motivation you have to have the proper but similar background perspective in order to come u with something that is even close in meaning.