self-motivated

[/sɛlf ˈmoʊtɪveɪtɪd/]
adjective
automotivado
1. driven by internal desire and determination to achieve goals without needing external pressure or supervision
She is a self-motivated employee who consistently exceeds her targets.
Ela é uma funcionária automotivada que consistentemente supera suas metas.
2. capable of initiating and completing tasks independently without requiring constant guidance
Self-motivated students tend to perform better in online learning environments.
Alunos automotivados tendem a se sair melhor em ambientes de aprendizado online.
3. possessing intrinsic motivation rather than relying on external rewards or incentives
A self-motivated athlete trains hard because of personal passion, not just prize money.
Um atleta automotivado treina intensamente por paixão pessoal, não apenas por dinheiro em prêmios.
In both American and Brazilian corporate culture, being 'self-motivated' is highly valued and frequently appears in job descriptions and performance evaluations. In Brazil, 'automotivado' is particularly prized in startup environments and remote work settings. This trait is seen as a key indicator of professional reliability and potential for advancement across both cultures.
NYC Slang
go-getter; self-starter
Synonyms / Sinônimos
self-drivenambitiousindependentdeterminedproactivedisciplinedgoal-oriented
Antonyms / Antônimos
unmotivatedlazydependentpassiveapatheticindifferent

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
automotivado
Most common translation in formal and informal contexts
General Brazilian
motivado por si mesmo
More literal, descriptive alternative
Brazil
com iniciativa própria
Emphasizes independent initiative rather than external motivation
Portugal
auto-motivado
Portuguese spelling with hyphen; same concept as Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

motivationambitiondeterminationinitiativeself-disciplinedriveperseverance

Related Idioms & Phrases

pull yourself up by your bootstraps
take the initiative
march to the beat of your own drum
drive your own success
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