Introduction
Motivation and human behavior are concepts that intersect and depend on each other. Motives that influence certain actions serve as a factor that shapes habits, and the initiative that proceeds is a direct reflection of the characteristics of a person’s character. It is also essential to note the sources of motivation since concrete decisions arise under the influence of particular factors. The relationship between motivation and behavior can be proved due to using approaches that are explained in psychology. Therefore, the connection between these two concepts is a logical and justified aspect of the human life, and some sources serve as the basis for making appropriate decisions in specific situations.
Relationship Prerequisites
Motivation can be formed not only due to basic human life needs but also a purposeful enthusiasm for certain ideas. According to Papies, Pronk, Keesman, and Barsalou (2015), careful consideration of specific thoughts leads to the fact that a person consciously strives to perform actions, and this motivation is not spontaneous or unexpected. It means that people are able to independently make a decision in favor of certain situations not based on external factors and circumstances. Such conscious behavior makes it possible to control all the decisions, and actions taken after careful deliberation tend not to be foolish, which suggests a balanced behavior.
Sources of Motivation
In addition to those concepts of motivation that are described in psychology, it is possible to identify also some sources that influence the occurrence of this phenomenon. Touré-Tillery and Fishbach (2018) distinguish three main accents – an outcome focus, a process focus, and self-signaling. The first of them is based on the fact that a person strives to achieve a specific external goal and expects a certain result. In this case, conscious motives play the primary role as the main instrument. Also, the authors mention motivation aimed at achieving an internal goal (Touré-Tillery & Fishbach, 2018).
The example of such a definition may be a desire for self-development or an opportunity to find answers to particular questions. This type differs from the first one in that it does not receive an external expression and occurs in the person’s mind without any visible changes. The third source of motivation is its use as one of the several tools for achieving a specific goal, for example, when not only desire but also actions are required. All these factors serve as an explanation for human motives and specific forms of behavior.
Accordingly, the theory of motivation in psychology implies not only personal experience but also other external factors that can be the conditions for the formation of behavioral habits. As Baumeister (2016) notes, “motivation responds to the local environment but may also adapt to it” (p. 1). Therefore, the more diverse circumstances are, the higher the chance is that the person will actively seek ways to solve specific issues and take the initiative. Otherwise, the lack of motivation can lead to undesirable consequences and cause unresolved problems.
Conclusion
The connection between motivation and behavior is a logical phenomenon because those initiatives that are manifested by the person form specific habits of behavior. Some sources of decision-making have an impact on the nature of the motivation and its manifestation, which is expressed in outcomes. The lack of objective reasons for the initiative can lead to problems caused by insufficiently strong motivation.
References
Baumeister, R. F. (2016). Toward a general theory of motivation: Problems, challenges, opportunities, and the big picture. Motivation and Emotion, 40(1), 1-10. Web.
Papies, E. K., Pronk, T. M., Keesman, M., & Barsalou, L. W. (2015). The benefits of simply observing: Mindful attention modulates the link between motivation and behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 108(1), 148-170. Web.
Touré-Tillery, M., & Fishbach, A. (2018). Three sources of motivation. Consumer Psychology Review, 1(1), 123-134. Web.