Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It is the driving force behind our actions, influencing what we do, how often we do it, and how long we persist. Synonyms include: drive, incentive, stimulus, impulse, ambition, desire, aspiration, urge. Examples: A student studying hard for an exam is motivated by the desire* for good grades. An athlete training rigorously is driven by the ambition* to win a competition. Someone working overtime is motivated by the incentive* of a bonus.