Push vs. Pull Motivation: How to Unlock Your True Drive and Achieve Lasting Success

Are You Driven by Necessity or Possibility?

Have you ever wondered what truly motivates you? Are you taking action because you have to—or because you’re pulled by a vision of what’s possible? Understanding your core motivation is the key to unlocking your potential, creating fulfillment, and designing a life on your terms. Let’s explore the difference between push (necessity) and pull (possibility) motivation, and how you can use both to create extraordinary results.

What Is Push Motivation? (Necessity-Driven Action)

Push motivation is all about necessity. You do things because you must—because circumstances demand it. People motivated by necessity often:

• Seek security and stability
• Prefer what’s known and predictable
• Take action when there’s a pressing need (a new job, a new car, a new home)
• Accept what’s available, rather than seeking out new options

There’s nothing wrong with necessity. In fact, it’s a powerful force for getting things done, especially when attention to detail, consistency, and reliability are required. Some roles and situations demand this steady, grounded approach.

What Is Pull Motivation? (Possibility-Driven Action)

Pull motivation is about being drawn forward by vision, curiosity, and potential. People motivated by possibility:

• Seek new experiences, options, and challenges
• Are energized by what’s unknown and what could be
• Look for opportunities to grow, innovate, and create
• Are less interested in “have to” and more inspired by “want to”

This is the energy that fuels entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone who wants to create an extraordinary life. When you’re pulled by possibility, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.

Push vs. Pull: Which Is Better?

If you’re an employer, you might think you always want the possibility-driven person. But the truth is, both types of motivation have their place:

• Necessity-driven people excel in roles that require consistency, attention to detail, and long-term commitment.
• Possibility-driven people shine in environments that reward creativity, risk-taking, and innovation.

The key is to know yourself—and to align your work and life with what truly drives you.

“When you’re pushed by pain, you’ll survive. When you’re pulled by purpose, you’ll thrive.” —Tony Robbins

How to Identify Your Motivation Style

Ask yourself:

• Do I take action only when I have to, or am I inspired by what could be?
• Do I prefer security and routine, or do I crave new experiences and growth?
• When making decisions, do I focus on what’s necessary or what’s possible?

There’s no right or wrong answer. The power comes from awareness.

How to Motivate Others: Children, Teams, and Beyond

Motivating others starts with understanding what drives them. For example:

• If your child is necessity-driven:
  Show them why a good education is essential. Explain the jobs and opportunities that require a degree or specific skills.
• If your child is possibility-driven:
  Paint a vivid picture of the endless opportunities that education can unlock. Inspire them with stories of discovery, adventure, and growth.

The same principle applies to teams, employees, and even yourself. Tailor your approach to the motivation style at play.

Tony’s Take: How to Harness Both for Success

In my own life, I’ve used both push and pull motivation. When I had nothing, necessity pushed me to take action. But it was the vision of what was possible that pulled me to create, innovate, and serve at the highest level. The most successful people learn to use both—letting necessity get them started, and possibility keep them going.

“The strongest drive comes not from what you must do, but from what you’re inspired to do.” —Tony Robbins

From Tony: The difference between push and pull motivation in my own life

Early in my career, I was living in a tiny apartment in Venice, California. I was broke, washing my dishes in the bathtub, and barely scraping by. At that time, necessity was pushing me every single day—I had to find a way to pay the rent, to eat, to survive. That push got me moving, but it was exhausting. I remember one night, sitting alone, feeling completely overwhelmed. I asked myself, “Is this all there is? Just getting by?"

That’s when something shifted. I started to imagine what was possible if I could help people change their lives, not just my own. I pictured myself on stage, inspiring thousands, making a real difference. That vision pulled me forward with a new kind of energy. Suddenly, I wasn’t just working to survive—I was working to serve, to grow, to create something extraordinary. The pull of that possibility gave me the drive and passion that changed everything.

So, I’ve lived both sides: push got me started, but pull is what made me unstoppable. Where in your life could you let possibility pull you forward, instead of just letting necessity push you?

Action Steps: How to Unlock Your Motivation Today

1. Identify whether you’re more necessity- or possibility-driven in different areas of your life.
2. Set a compelling vision that pulls you forward—something that excites you.
3. Use necessity as fuel when you need to take immediate action.
4. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to see what’s possible.
5. Remember: “Where focus goes, energy flows.” Focus on what you want, not just what you need.

Create a Life That Pulls You Forward

Whether you’re motivated by push or pull, the secret is to become aware of your patterns and use them to your advantage. Don’t settle for a life of “have to.” Design a life that excites you, challenges you, and pulls you toward your highest potential. That’s how you create lasting fulfillment and success.

“Let your dreams pull you forward, not just your fears push you from behind.” —Tony Robbins