The humanistic theory of motivation subscribes to the idea that you are motivated to develop yourself into the best person possible, according to Pearson Education. This theory is based on the theories of humanists, who believe that people naturally "seek the frontiers of creativity, the highest reaches of consciousness and wisdom," explained Janet A. Simons in "Psychology --- The Search for Understanding." In other words, you are motivated to do your best in everything simply because you are human.
Instinct theory suggests you are not motivated by a desire to better yourself but simply do things as a result of your biological makeup. Your motivations are "innate tendencies ... preprogrammed at birth," according to the All Psych website.
The basis of arousal theory suggests that you are motivated to do anything that will help you reach your optimum level of arousal. According to the JRank Psychology Encyclopedia, your arousal level can be higher or lower than your optimal level at any given time, so you are motivated to increase our decrease arousal through activity. (See References 5)
The JRank Psychology Encyclopedia explains that drive-reduction theory claims you are motivated to do things to restore a sense of balance in your life. Your motivation is a combination of your environment and experience, as well as your biology. Biological needs are called "primary drives," while learned needs are known as "secondary drives."
Psychoanalytic theory builds upon Sigmund Freud's suggestion that you have two competing drives in your life: Eros, the life drive, and Thanatos, the death drive. The All Psych website explains that you are motivated to do things either to prevent your demise or to aid your survival.