What Motivates your Behavior?

This may seem like a simple question to answer, but the fact is, that it can be somewhat complicated. There are so many variances that play a significant role, as well as different theories.

While we seem to think that we may be hard-wired in some way; that would explain to us that our behavior patterns may be pre-determined by the nature of who we are, or by our DNA. There are also behavior patterns that are a result of our environment or as an outcome of the choices we make. But the question arises; what motivates us to make these choices?

I have made a list of a few driving forces that can influence your behavior pattern:
1. Intent- a fixed internal pattern
2. Self-determination – control of your choices
3. Incentive – something that encourages you
4. Cognitive – your set mental capacity
5. Drive reduction – learned behavior

These are just a few things that may drive you to make individual choices; also combined with desire, emotions, anxiety and fear, to mention a few. Even anticipating or expecting the outcome a situation can have a direct effect on your behavior.

We all have something called “free will.” This gives you the ability to break the cycle; if you so desire. You can gain a sense of freedom once you understand and have control of what is driving your mindset, which becomes part of your awareness and consciousness. But with anything, there must be a healthy balance.

With this being said, there are patterns of feelings and emotions that are beyond your control and are just part of human nature. But when you understand the influence of these driving forces, you can choose to take a step back, analyze and take charge. You then learn to adapt to new behavior patterns so that you can modify how you may react…or not… to any given situation. Understand what is learned, can motivate and affect your behavior.

There are things in life that you can choose to analyze and take charge of;
that which will influence and allow you to modify your behavior 
~ Jill Lee ~