Territory · Fuel

What sparks your energy

Q: What is this motivation test based on?

On Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory, which identifies three basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness), and on Daniel Pink's model (autonomy, mastery and purpose). The items are original, inspired by the theory.

Q: What are autonomous and controlled motivation?

Autonomous motivation comes from within (interest, values, meaning); controlled motivation comes from outside (reward, status, pressure). Research shows that more autonomous motivation tends to better sustain well-being and persistence.

Discover your drivers — from autonomy and mastery to purpose and connection — through Self-Determination Theory and Daniel Pink.

This motivation test is based on Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory — three basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness) — and on Daniel Pink's model (autonomy, mastery and purpose). There are 30 statements measuring six drivers and the balance between autonomous motivation (from within) and controlled motivation (from outside). Research shows that more autonomous motivation tends to better sustain well-being. It is a self-knowledge estimate, not a diagnosis.

Meet the 6 drivers

30 questions · ~6 min · free

Territory of Fuel

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Your six drivers

The outline shows the weight of each driver for you — with your average already subtracted, to reveal what moves you more than the rest.

In order of strength

The further to the right, the more that driver moves you — compared with the others.

Autonomous or controlled?

Autonomous fuel comes from within (autonomy, mastery, purpose, connection); controlled fuel comes from outside (recognition, security). Self-Determination research shows that more autonomous motivation tends to better sustain well-being and persistence.

◄ More autonomousMore controlled ►

You across areas of life

How your main driver tends to show up day to day — what to lean on and what to balance. A developmental estimate, never a verdict.

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How it's calculated — and the science

The test combines two well-established references. Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan) identifies three basic psychological needs — autonomy (acting of your own will), competence (feeling effective and improving) and relatedness (feeling connected to people) — whose satisfaction fuels motivation and well-being. Daniel Pink popularized a close trio: autonomy, mastery and purpose.

We measure six drivers: autonomy, mastery, purpose, connection, recognition and security. There are 30 statements (5 per driver) on a 1-to-5 scale. Since motivation is a matter of relative priorities, we apply centering: we subtract your overall average, revealing what moves you most relative to the rest. Finally, we calculate the balance between autonomous motivation (autonomy, mastery, purpose, connection) and controlled motivation (recognition, security) — a central distinction in the theory, linked to persistence and well-being.

Reliability · limitsMotivation changes with context, task and life stage — you may have different drivers at work and outside it. This is self-report and a simplification: treat it as a snapshot of what moves you today, not a fixed label. Reference: 2026.

Model · the scienceBased on Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan) and Daniel Pink's model, with original items inspired by the constructs. Neither “controlled” motivation is bad nor is “autonomous” always better — both have their place.

Important · read firstA tool for self-knowledge and personal development; it does not replace a formal psychological assessment by a licensed professional. The result is an estimate, not a diagnosis. If you are struggling, reach out to a qualified professional — you can find helplines at findahelpline.com.

Author's note

I built this test after noticing that almost everyone knows what they do, but almost no one stops to ask why. I anchored it in the drivers from Self-Determination Theory (autonomy, mastery, purpose) because those held up best in the research. It's the test I run on myself most when motivation runs dry.

— Vinicius Fonseca · Spotted something off or have a suggestion? tell me.

Frequently asked questions

What is this motivation test based on?

On Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory (needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness) and on Daniel Pink's model (autonomy, mastery and purpose). The items are original, inspired by the constructs.

What are autonomous and controlled motivation?

Autonomous comes from within — interest, values, meaning. Controlled comes from outside — reward, status, pressure. Research shows that more autonomous motivation tends to better sustain well-being and persistence, but both have their role.

Is having a low driver bad?

No. No one is moved by everything at once. A low driver just means it moves you less today — useful for designing your work and routine around what actually sparks you.

Is it free?

Yes, 100% free, no sign-up or email. Your result appears instantly and is saved only in your browser.

How long does it take?

About 5 to 7 minutes. There are 30 statements on a 1-to-5 scale.

Continue your atlas

See how what moves you talks to your values and how you act in Your Atlas.

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Learn more — sources

Want to go deeper? Tap a source to open the official reference.

Paper · PDFRyan & Deci (2000)Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation. American Psychologist. PaperDeci & Ryan (2000)The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: needs and self-determination. Psychological Inquiry. Official siteselfdeterminationtheory.orgThe official hub of Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci). BookPink (2009) · DriveAutonomy, mastery and purpose — a popularization anchored in self-determination.