Motivation courses can help you learn goal-setting techniques, the psychology of motivation, and strategies for fostering resilience. You can build skills in self-assessment, creating actionable plans, and maintaining accountability in personal and professional settings. Many courses introduce tools like motivational interviewing and habit-tracking apps, which can enhance your ability to inspire yourself and others, making it easier to stay on track with your objectives.

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, Goal Setting, Self-Motivation, Personal Development, Smart Goals, Self-Awareness, Overcoming Obstacles, Productivity, Positivity, Culture, Lifelong Learning, Community Development, Cultural Diversity, Adaptability, Creativity, digital literacy, Intercultural Competence, Diversity Awareness
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Rochester
Skills you'll gain: Self-Motivation, Self-Awareness, Motivational Skills, Social Sciences, Mindfulness, Health And Wellness Coaching, Personal Development, Learning Theory, Human Development, Psychology, Cultural Diversity, School Psychology, Goal Setting, Empowerment, Economics, Coaching, Psychotherapy, Child Development, Relationship Building
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Case Western Reserve University
Skills you'll gain: Coaching, Negotiation, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Leadership Development, Initiative and Leadership, Compassion, Leadership, Organizational Change, Organizational Leadership, Organizational Development, Culture Transformation, Empowerment, People Development, Influencing, Strategic Leadership, Business Leadership, Active Listening, Case Studies, Professional Development
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Personal Development, Resilience, Self-Awareness, Mental Concentration, Accountability, Overcoming Obstacles, Self-Motivation, Persistence, Productivity, Emotional Intelligence, Growth Mindedness, Time Management, Positivity, Optimism, Stress Management, Initiative and Leadership, Personal Attributes, Decision Making, Engineering Management, Goal Setting
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Goal Setting, Visionary, Motivational Skills, Smart Goals, Verbal Communication Skills, Employee Engagement, Constructive Feedback, Communication, Leadership, Cultural Diversity, Leadership Development, Team Building, People Development, Influencing, Non-Verbal Communication, Compensation Strategy, Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado System
Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Emotional Intelligence, Goal Setting, Self-Motivation, Personal Development, Creativity, Smart Goals, Adaptability, Self-Awareness, Productivity, Resilience, Lifelong Learning, Curiosity, Innovation, Willingness To Learn, Overcoming Obstacles, Courage, Mindfulness
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

LearnKartS
Skills you'll gain: Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Management, Social Skills, Personal Development, Empathy, Self-Motivation, Professional Development, Collaboration, Employee Engagement, Leadership, Relationship Building, Resilience, Communication, Stress Management, Adaptability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Motivational Skills, Learning Strategies, Interactive Learning, Student Engagement, Self-Motivation, Learning Theory, Needs Assessment, Instructional Strategies, Learning Styles, Behavior Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Self-Awareness, Personal Development, Goal Setting, Empowerment, Action Oriented, Self-Motivation, Overcoming Obstacles, Positivity, Resilience, Prioritization, Mindfulness
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Skills you'll gain: Team Building, Team Leadership, Leadership and Management, Rapport Building, Employee Onboarding, Leadership, Recognizing Others, Team Motivation, Performance Analysis, Employee Performance Management, Meeting Facilitation, Constructive Feedback, Safety Culture, Productivity, Workplace inclusivity, Coaching, Empathy, Goal Setting, Planning, Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

IESE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Leadership Development, Intercultural Competence, Conflict Management, Leadership, Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Team Building, Teamwork, Team Management, Team Leadership, Conflict Management, Team Motivation, Collaboration, Virtual Teams, Performance Management, Organizational Structure, Leadership, Innovation, People Development, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Diversity and Inclusion, Goal Setting, Decision Making
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Motivation is the driving force behind our actions and decisions. It encompasses the reasons we pursue goals, whether personal or professional. Understanding motivation is crucial because it influences our behavior, shapes our aspirations, and ultimately determines our success. In various contexts, motivation can enhance productivity, foster resilience, and encourage personal growth. By exploring motivation, individuals can unlock their potential and navigate challenges more effectively.‎
Careers related to motivation span various fields, including education, coaching, human resources, and organizational development. Roles such as motivational speaker, life coach, or corporate trainer focus on inspiring and guiding others. Additionally, positions in employee engagement or talent development often require a strong understanding of motivation to enhance workplace culture and productivity.‎
To effectively learn about motivation, consider developing skills in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and communication. Understanding psychological theories, such as self-determination theory, can also provide valuable insights. Additionally, practical skills in goal-setting and time management can help you apply motivational principles in real-life scenarios.‎
Some of the best online courses on motivation include the How Self-Motivation Shapes Personal Success course, which focuses on personal empowerment, and the Introduction to Self-Determination Theory: An approach to motivation, development and wellness course, which explores foundational concepts in motivation. These courses provide practical strategies and insights to enhance your understanding of motivation.‎
Yes. You can start learning motivation on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in motivation, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning about motivation can be approached through various methods, including online courses, workshops, and reading relevant literature. Engaging with interactive content, such as videos and discussions, can enhance your understanding. Additionally, applying motivational techniques in your daily life can reinforce your learning and help you see tangible results.‎
Motivation courses typically cover topics such as the psychology of motivation, goal-setting strategies, self-determination theory, and the impact of motivation on personal and professional success. Courses may also explore the role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, providing a comprehensive understanding of how motivation influences behavior.‎
For training and upskilling employees, courses like the Personal Journeys: Identity, Motivation, and Resilience Specialization can be particularly beneficial. These courses focus on enhancing personal motivation and resilience, which are essential for fostering a motivated workforce. Additionally, leadership courses that emphasize motivation can help managers inspire their teams effectively.‎