Self-Determination Theory (SDT), developed by psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, is one of the most influential and empirically supported theories of human motivation. It identifies three universal psychological needs — autonomy, competence, and relatedness — whose satisfaction predicts intrinsic motivation, well-being, and sustained performance.

Autonomy is the need to feel that your actions are self-directed and aligned with your values. Competence is the need to feel effective and capable in your activities. Relatedness is the need to feel meaningfully connected to others. When all three are met, people experience genuine, lasting motivation. When they are thwarted, motivation deteriorates into compliance or disengagement.

JobCannon's 36-question SDT Motivation Profile measures how well your current work and life context satisfies each of these three core needs — and identifies which specific need-thwarting factors are undermining your motivation and energy.