The Importance of Goals in Motivational Behavior

Self determination theory argues that it is a tendency of all life to self organize. In humans, this means cultivating an autonomous self whose actions are fully endorsed and performed willingly. Socialization is the process by which cultural norms and external regulation get internalized. It proceeds from regulation where concrete rewards and punishments provide motivation. To introjection, where one experiences an inner feeling of coercion, even absent external regulation. And finally, to identification and integration.