Goals and Behavior
The given article thoroughly assesses and analyzes the underlying connections between one’s goals, behavior, and overall motivations. The study provides both psychological and neuroscientific stances to give a fuller explanation of this phenomenon. First, the author begins the analysis by clearly defining the definition of goals formally and informally. The goal is something a person wants to achieve, but it requires a certain degree of behavioral change (Berkman, 2018). Behaviors can be categorized into four main groups, such as simple and complex routine tasks, and simple and complex novel tasks.
Executive Functions and Ego-Depletion
Second, the author focuses on the executive function of neural circuits, such as attention, memory, and planning. He claims that these functions are high-level cognitive skills, which are engaged, effortful, and conscious (Berkman, 2018). During the process of habit formation, there is a shift in control systems that regulate the constantly rewarded behavior. Third, the author elaborates on the fact that ego depletion is mostly metaphorical, and it can be easily restored by short breaks. However, the overall loss of motivation associated with ego depletion is due to the opportunity cost because a person can only focus on one task at a time (Berkman, 2018). Fourth, the author thoroughly discusses how executive improvement approaches are controversial and mostly unscientific. However, it is possible to automate the habit-learning system by allowing it to recognize the similarity of patterns among various behaviors (Berkman, 2018).
Motivation and Will
Fifth, the author focuses on motivation and describes it as the desired intensity to attain a certain outcome. It is a deeply rooted dopaminergic reward system, which was evolutionarily conserved to form new habits. Intrinsically wanting to engage in a particular behavior is more effective than forcing someone to do so. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) actively interacts with motivational structures and cognitive networks to motivate and integrate the effortful action (Berkman, 2018).
An individual’s motivation can be increased by value amplification of new behavior, which is oriented towards a goal. In addition, one’s will is mostly maintained by modest goals, which gradually change as the behavior changes. The will is also based on a person’s identity and self, which are manifested in his or her values, beliefs, and memories.
Reference
Berkman, E. T. (2018). The neuroscience of goals and behavior change. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 70(1), 28-44. Web.