Motivation is the force behind our behavior. It’s the reason we act or perform in a particular way each day and is driven by various types of stimuli both internal and external. Two key factors that guide our motivation are autonomy and “locus of control.” The need for control is a biological imperative. In order to motivate, we must feel like we are in control. Motivation is a skill much like reading or writing that can improve if we practice the right way.
Autonomy: The capacity to be one’s own person, to live one’s life according to reasons and motives that are taken as one’s own and not the product of manipulative or distorting external forces.
Locus of Control: The degree to which people believe that they have control over the outcome of events in their lives, as opposed to external forces beyond their control. (In another way: Belief you can influence your destiny through the choices you make.)
Ways to Improve Locus of Control (from VeryWellMind)