Do we just act or behave in a particular way for no reason?  It is unlikely, in most if not all cases and underlying drive can be identified for our actions.

Without motivation would we do nothing or are we always doing something?  Arguably, yes we are also doing something, whether sleeping or remaining motionless, but awake, your mind is active to some extent although your focus may be vague.

The motivation that matters is related to outcomes that increase your happiness, joy, pleasure.

Focus on Results

Doing stuff leads to outcomes.  Sometimes these may be soft or subjective.  Or, they can be definitive and measurable very objectively.

For example, after being asleep, you might say the outcome was you felt rested or were no longer tired (or maybe you are still tired).  Alternately your activity could be to eat food. Either you ate or you did not.

Typically the more rewarding the outcome, the greater the motivation required to achieve it.  The greater the reward the less motivation needed.

Motivation Sources

Individual levels of motivation largely arise from 3 main drivers

• Personal initiative – This is your own internal bar and in this context refers to motivation for actions  which the other factors listed below are not relevant.   For you to take action the your personal values and desires must exceed your personal bar, the decision lies with you.
• External Authority – In this case someone in authority (e.g., your boss, police, leader) directs you to take action.  Not doing so has consequences and these are motivating factors.
• Need – this is intended to refer to things you need to do or consequences are dire.  For example – eating.  Although you can be motivated to eat via personal initiative even when you don’t need to, there are circumstances if you don’t eat, you will die.