psychological principles of motivation

Motivation is the process that drives us to take action toward a goal. Psychologically, it involves both internal factors, like personal values and desires, and external factors, such as rewards or social recognition. Key principles include needs (like feeling safe or valued), reinforcement (rewards encouraging repeat behavior), and goal setting (clear, attainable targets). Motivation can stem from intrinsic factors (personal satisfaction) or extrinsic sources (external rewards). Understanding these principles helps explain why we pursue certain activities and how to effectively encourage positive behavior change.