Motivation refers to the psychological processes that drive and direct our behavior towards achieving certain goals or fulfilling specific needs. It is the force that energizes, sustains, and guides our actions, thoughts, and emotions. Motivation can arise from various sources, including internal factors like personal values, interests, and aspirations, as well as external factors like rewards, recognition, and social pressure. It plays a crucial role in influencing our decisions, shaping our attitudes, and determining the level of effort we invest in tasks. Different theories of motivation, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, expectancy theory, and self-determination theory, provide insights into understanding the complexities of human motivation and how it impacts behavior.