Discover and strengthen your motivation

Whether you're just starting out, going through a career shift, or in need of renewed energy in your current role, motivation matters.

At Pharmadanmark, we understand the power of motivation. Our experienced career advisors help members explore and use their motivation strategically.

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What is motivation?

Motivation is the inner energy that drives you to act, learn, and pursue your goals. It shows in your willingness to take initiative, your persistence, and your courage to grow and change.

Motivation can come from within—such as your passion for making a difference—or from external sources like pay, recognition, or promotion opportunities.

Regardless of its origin, motivation plays a key role in how you thrive at work. When you're motivated, you perform better, feel more satisfied, and take greater responsibility for your personal and professional development.

Why motivation matters—for you and your employer

Motivation doesn’t just make you more productive—it makes you more engaged, creative, and resilient. It strengthens your professional profile and makes you a valuable colleague.

For employers, motivated employees are a competitive advantage. They deliver higher quality, stay longer in the organization, and contribute positively to collaboration and workplace culture.

That’s why it's in everyone's best interest to understand and support motivation.

Understand your personal motivation factors

Motivation is personal. What drives one person might not work for another. That’s why it's essential to identify your own motivation factors.

There are two main types:

1. Intrinsic motivation

This is the satisfaction you get from doing something meaningful in itself. It's what makes you dive deep into a task, take ownership, and stay committed—because it feels right.

Examples of intrinsic motivators:

• Autonomy – having influence and freedom in your work
• Mastery – learning and improving your skills
• Purpose – working for something that matters to you, like patient safety, societal benefit, or scientific quality

2. Extrinsic motivation

This is driven by external rewards or consequences—like pay, status, or praise. It can be a strong driver, especially when aligned with your inner values.

Examples of extrinsic motivators:

• A pay raise as recognition of your efforts
• A new title or greater responsibility
• Praise from your manager or colleagues
• Constructive feedback that highlights your strengths

Find the right balance

Neither type of motivation is better than the other—but they need to be in balance. If you chase only external rewards, you may lose interest when those rewards disappear. If you're solely driven by inner motivation, you may struggle to set boundaries and recognize your own needs.

Balance also means fairness. If others are rewarded more for the same effort, your motivation may suffer—even if you love your job. That’s why it’s important that your needs are met and your contributions acknowledged.

Exercise: Map your motivation journey

A good place to start is to reflect on your career so far. When have you felt most motivated—and when have you lacked energy?

Draw a curve showing your motivation over time:

• ⭐ Mark the periods when you felt motivated and engaged
• ➖ Mark the periods when you felt drained or demotivated
• Write down what characterized each period: What tasks did you have? What kind of leadership did you experience? What were your work conditions?

Patterns often emerge. Maybe you thrive on deep focus—or maybe collaboration and feedback give you energy.

Use these insights to adjust your working life. Bring them to your next development meeting—or use them as a starting point if you're considering a new direction.

Exercise: Analyze meaningful moments

Another helpful method is to look at specific situations when you felt particularly engaged.

By comparing multiple situations, you’ll start to recognize your recurring motivation drivers. This helps you choose the right tasks—and say no to the ones that drain you.

Motivation isn’t constant—and that’s OK

Motivation changes over time—and that’s completely normal. What motivated you as a recent graduate may not be what drives you today. New roles, life changes, or different colleagues can shift your priorities.

Take time regularly to reflect:

• What gives you energy?
• When do you feel engaged?
• What tasks feel meaningful to you?

You don’t have to feel passionate every day—but your work should make sense to you on a deeper level.

Motivation and career choices go hand in hand

When you know what motivates you, it's easier to make career choices that align with your values and goals. You can target your job search, negotiate your responsibilities, and steer in the right direction when facing change.

Many members come to our career advisors for just that reason: to identify what gives them energy—and how to get more of it in everyday work.

Get support to clarify your motivation

At Pharmadanmark, we offer personal career guidance. We help you:

• Identify your motivation drivers
• Reflect on your past experiences
• Create a plan for your personal and professional development
• Discuss your needs and goals with your manager

We have deep insight into the Life Science industry—and we understand how to connect your ambitions with a healthy and sustainable work life.

Whether you’re looking for a new job, want more fulfillment in your current role, or need help finding your direction—we’re here for you.

Our career advisors are ready to support you throughout your entire professional journey.