motivated

Motivated is an adjective meaning having a reason to act or being driven to achieve a goal. It can describe a person who is eager and prepared to take action, or the state of being influenced by incentives or motives. The word derives from motivate, which comes from Latin motivare “to move” and late Latin motivus, with the English form appearing in the 15th century.

In psychology, motivation refers to the internal and external factors that initiate, direct, and sustain goal-oriented behavior. The field distinguishes intrinsic motivation, which arises from doing an activity for its own sake, from extrinsic motivation, driven by external rewards or pressures. Major theories include Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Self-Determination Theory (emphasizing autonomy, competence, and relatedness), expectancy-value theory (focusing on expected outcomes and value), and goal-setting theory (highlighting specific aims and feedback).

In everyday use, “motivated” describes someone who shows effort, persistence, and enthusiasm toward a task. In education and the workplace, motivation is a key determinant of engagement and performance, and programs often seek to enhance motivation through clear goals, feedback, autonomy, and relevance. Motivation can be influenced by personal interests, perceived relevance, social context, and environmental contingencies.

Understanding motivation supports applications in learning, performance management, and behavior change. It also informs clinical approaches such as motivational interviewing, which aims to resolve ambivalence about change by strengthening personal motivation.

Related terms include motivation, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and goal setting.