The 7 Levels of Motivation: Unlocking Energy for Success
Motivation plays a crucial role in how we show up every day, influencing our performance, mindset, and personal growth. But motivation isn’t just about setting goals or pushing through challenges—it’s deeply connected to our energy levels and how we process life’s experiences.
There are two types of energy that drive motivation:
Catabolic Energy: Draining, unproductive energy fueled by fear, doubt, and frustration.
Anabolic Energy: Positive, productive energy that fuels confidence, creativity, and growth.
Understanding how these energy types influence our 7 Levels of Motivation can help us take control of our mindset, overcome limiting beliefs, and develop the resilience needed to succeed.
Catabolic vs. Anabolic Energy: The Foundation of Motivation
Before diving into the 7 Levels of Motivation, it’s important to recognize how our energy states impact our actions and mindset.
Catabolic Energy: The Energy That Holds You Back
Catabolic energy is the negative, draining energy that leaves you feeling unmotivated, stuck, or overwhelmed. It is often triggered by emotions like:
Fear
Self-doubt
Anger
Guilt
Anxiety
When we operate from catabolic energy, we often experience mental roadblocks that prevent us from taking action.
Anabolic Energy: The Energy That Fuels Success
Anabolic energy, on the other hand, is fueling and empowering. It helps us feel:
Motivated
Optimistic
Confident
Creative
Focused
This energy supports higher levels of motivation, allowing us to move through challenges and find solutions.
Now, let’s break down how these energy states influence the 7 Levels of Motivation.
The 7 Levels of Motivation: How Energy Drives Performance
Level 1: No to Low Motivation (Avoidance & Fear)
At Level 1, motivation is either completely absent or extremely low. This is where self-doubt, fear, and helplessness dominate thinking.
Thoughts: "Why even try? It won’t make a difference."
Emotions: Anxiety, guilt, fear, sadness
Actions: Avoidance, procrastination, lack of effort
At this stage, people may avoid difficult conversations, stay stuck in negative thought patterns, and feel powerless over their circumstances.
Level 2: Low Motivation (Conflict & Frustration)
At Level 2, there is motivation, but it is fueled by anger, resentment, and the need to win.
Thoughts: "I have to prove them wrong."
Emotions: Frustration, blame, competition
Actions: Aggressive confrontation, pushing through with force
This level often leads to conflict-driven motivation, where success is about beating the opposition rather than genuine growth.
Level 3: Average Motivation (Rationalizing & Cooperation)
At Level 3, people begin to take ownership of their actions and find motivation through rationalization and cooperation.
Thoughts: "Let’s just find a way to make this work."
Emotions: Acceptance, logic, compromise
Actions: Looking for solutions, tolerating difficulties, moving forward with balance
At this level, individuals stop fighting battles and start problem-solving, even if they don’t fully embrace positivity yet.
Level 4: Average to Medium Motivation (Support & Compassion)
At Level 4, motivation shifts toward service and collaboration. The focus is on supporting others and building meaningful connections.
Thoughts: "How can I contribute and help solve this problem?"
Emotions: Empathy, understanding, encouragement
Actions: Offering solutions, mentoring, guiding others
This level moves beyond self-interest and into purpose-driven motivation, where growth happens through helping others.
Level 5: Medium Motivation (Opportunity & Growth Mindset)
At Level 5, motivation comes from seeing opportunities everywhere.
Thoughts: "Every challenge is a chance to grow."
Emotions: Optimism, curiosity, creativity
Actions: Seeking new experiences, embracing failure as learning
This level allows people to let go of judgment, focus on win-win scenarios, and see setbacks as stepping stones to success.
Level 6: Medium to High Motivation (Intuition & Flow State)
At Level 6, motivation comes from deep intuition, trust, and alignment with one’s goals.
Thoughts: "I trust my instincts, and I know I’m on the right path."
Emotions: Peace, alignment, deep focus
Actions: High levels of engagement, effortless action, intuition-driven decisions
This is the flow state—where work feels natural, creativity is high, and motivation is driven by passion and purpose.
Level 7: High Motivation (Fearlessness & Visionary Thinking)
At Level 7, motivation reaches its peak, characterized by non-judgment, vision, and mastery.
Thoughts: "I see the bigger picture, and I am limitless."
Emotions: Clarity, joy, complete fearlessness
Actions: Bold decisions, visionary leadership, effortless execution
At this level, people operate from total presence and awareness, making them highly influential and impactful.
Overcoming Mental Blocks to Reach Higher Levels of Motivation
Throughout life, mental blocks can hold us back from reaching higher levels of motivation. These are known as GAILs (Gremlins, Assumptions, Interpretations, and Limiting Beliefs):
Gremlins – The inner voice that says, "You’re not good enough."
Assumptions – Believing that past failures will repeat.
Interpretations – Viewing situations through a negative lens.
Limiting Beliefs – Deep-rooted thoughts that keep us stuck.
Recognizing and challenging these mental blocks can help break free from low motivation and move into a state of growth, confidence, and success.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the 7 Levels of Motivation
Understanding the 7 Levels of Motivation is key to unlocking energy, resilience, and success.
Levels 1 & 2 keep people stuck in negative energy and conflict.
Levels 3 & 4 help shift toward collaboration and problem-solving.
Levels 5, 6 & 7 fuel growth, intuition, and visionary thinking.
The goal isn’t to eliminate lower levels, but to recognize and move through them with awareness.
By shifting from catabolic energy (fear, doubt, frustration) to anabolic energy (confidence, creativity, and growth), anyone can tap into their full potential and create lasting success.
