Motivation is the desire to act in service of a goal. It's the crucial element in setting and attaining our objectives.
What Is Motivation? (Plain Language Explanation)
Motivation refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Motivation
- Symptoms: The specific ways motivation shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen motivation
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When motivation occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Motivation
- Motivation is far more common than most people realize
- Motivation is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with motivation see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about motivation is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing motivation, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.