Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose

Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose is a model for understanding motivation, developed by Daniel H. Pink, a former speechwriter for the US Vice President who went on to become a best-selling author on work and behaviour.

In his book Drive, Pink argued that traditional rewards like bonuses or targets often fail to motivate people doing complex or creative work. Instead, he pointed to decades of research in psychology and behavioural science showing that true motivation comes from within.

Motivation = Autonomy + Mastery + Purpose

The model is built on three pillars:

• Autonomy – the need to feel in control of our work and how we do it. When people have the freedom to make decisions, choose how they approach tasks, and take ownership of their time, they tend to be more engaged and creative.

• Mastery – the drive to improve, learn, and grow. We’re motivated when we’re getting better at something that challenges us. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about progress and the satisfaction of skill development.

• Purpose – the sense that our work matters beyond ourselves. When people connect what they do to a bigger mission or value, they’re more likely to persist and perform at their best.

Put together, Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose offer a powerful explanation of what keeps people motivated—not just for a moment, but for the long haul.