YOUR COMPASS

PRIMAL DRIVERS

Every decision you make is driven by three core emotional needs. These are your Primal Drivers™ — the deep motivators that shape your career, relationships, and daily energy.

Most people go through life without knowing what really drives them. The result? Frustration at work. Misalignment in relationships. A constant sense that something’s off. But with Primal Nature’s free self-assessment, you’ll uncover your Drivers — and start making decisions that actually fit who you are.

Navigate life with your Primal Drivers

Our free self-assessment reveals your three Primal Drivers™ - the emotional needs that guide your energy, decisions, and happiness. Once you know them, you’ll start choosing careers, relationships, and hobbies that truly fit. This is your inner compass - and it’s the first step to living with purpose.

EXPLORE THE 36 PRIMAL DRIVERS

Every one of us is driven by a unique mix of emotional needs. These are your Primal Drivers™ — the forces behind why you do what you do. There are 36 in total, grouped into six core realms: Security, Achievement, Discovery, Meaning, Social, and Pleasure.

Start exploring below - and see what might be driving you.

  • Some people can only thrive when life is predictable, structured, and well-organised, struggling with overwhelm when their need for security isn’t met.

    Drivers in this category: Safety, Stability, Support, Order, Control, Reliability

    Example 1

    Emma, a financial analyst, has Stability as a core driver. She finds deep satisfaction in her career because it offers routine, a clear progression path, and financial security. She has built a home life that reflects this, with steady relationships and careful planning.

    Example 2

    James is a freelance artist with Control as his core driver, but his unpredictable income and lack of routine make him feel anxious and powerless. Primal Nature would guide him toward structured freelance work, securing retainer clients, and implementing daily routines to create a greater sense of control while maintaining creative freedom.

  • People with strong achievement-driven Primal Drivers only feel fulfilled when they overcome challenges, improve skills, or earn recognition for their efforts. Without achievement, they lose motivation.

    Drivers in this category: Legacy, Challenge, Mastery, Winning, Influence, Command

    Example 1

    Marcus, a professional athlete, has Mastery as his core driver. He structures his life around rigorous training, constant self-improvement, and pushing his limits. This fuels his sense of purpose and success.

    Example 2

    Sarah craves Respect, but her current job offers no opportunity to demonstrate her value or gain recognition, leaving her unmotivated. Primal Nature would help her seek leadership roles, a more visible position, or a new career path where she feels valued and acknowledged for her contributions.

  • Those with discovery-based Primal Drivers only feel truly alive when they have freedom, variety, and the chance to explore new ideas or places. If you take this away, they will feel deep discontent, often leading to anger and frustration.

    Drivers in this category: Independence, Freedom, Exploration, Curiosity, Variety, Creativity

    Example 1

    Tom, a travel journalist, has Exploration as a core driver. His job allows him to experience different cultures, try new activities, and constantly push his boundaries. He feels deeply fulfilled in his work.

    Example 2

    Lisa thrives on Creativity, but her repetitive office job stifles her, making her feel uninspired. Primal Nature would help her find ways to integrate creativity into her career, whether through switching to a more innovative role, starting creative projects, or building a side business that allows her to express herself fully.

  • People with meaning-driven Primal Drivers need to feel aligned with their values, evolving as individuals, and connected to a deeper purpose. Without this meaning, life feels empty and pointless to them.

    Drivers in this category: Understanding, Authenticity, Originality, Transformation, Spirituality, Honour

    Example 1

    David, a philosopher and writer, has Understanding as his core driver. He spends his time researching, reflecting, and discussing complex ideas, which fuels his sense of purpose and fulfillment.

    Example 2

    Ben has Authenticity as a core driver but feels disconnected in his high-pressure sales job, where he constantly has to put on a persona that doesn’t feel true to him. Primal Nature would help him shift toward a career that allows him to express himself honestly, whether in creative work, purpose-driven business, or leadership roles that align with his values.

  • Socially driven individuals need connection, community, and emotional bonds to feel happy and complete. Without this daily social dynamic they will feel isolated, disconnected and depressed.

    Drivers in this category: Connection, Community, Belonging, Fairness, Service, Nurturing

    Example 1

    Sophie, a teacher, has Connection as her core driver. She finds meaning in mentoring students, forming deep friendships, and spending quality time with loved ones. This fuels her emotionally and professionally.

    Example 2

    Daniel has Fairness as his core driver, but his workplace is highly competitive and filled with unethical practices, leaving him feeling constantly frustrated. Primal Nature would help him transition to a company or role that values integrity, social justice, and ethical leadership, where he feels like he is working in alignment with his values.

  • Pleasure-driven individuals seek fun, excitement, beauty, and sensory experiences to feel truly alive. They thrive when they can indulge in life’s vibrant, playful, and aesthetic aspects. Without pleasure, they may feel drained, uninspired, or numb to the world around them.

    Drivers in this category: Humour, Playfulness, Excitement, Beauty, Sensuality, Comfort

    Example 1

    Ella, a travel photographer, has Beauty as her core driver. She finds deep fulfillment in capturing the world’s beauty, curating stunning visuals, and surrounding herself with art and design. This keeps her inspired and engaged in both work and life.

    Example 2

    Ryan has Excitement as his core driver, but his predictable 9-to-5 office job leaves him feeling restless and disengaged. Primal Nature would help him introduce more adventure into his life—whether through an adrenaline-fueled hobby, a career shift into a dynamic field, or simply injecting more thrill into his daily routine—ensuring he meets his deep need for stimulation.

Fun Fact: there are 42,840 variations of Drivers! This explains why we all approach life so differently…

What are your three Primal Drivers?

If you don’t know what your drivers are, you risk going through life stuck in unfulfilling careers and unhappy relationships. Is that how you want to spend your life?