Nate wonders how his friend, jim, can wake up at 5: 00 am every morning to swim laps before school. when he asks about it, jim replies that he simply wants to realize his highest personal potential in swimming. jim's explanation is most consistent with theories of motivation.

The correct answer is intrinsic theories of motivation.

Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that arises from factors within a person, rather than from external factors or rewards. Since Jim's motivation to swim early in the morning arises from an internal factor within him (to realize his highest personal potential in swimming) rather than external factors or rewards, he is intrinsically motivated.