Motivation: Problems of drive

We may have a goal that we don't really desire. One reason for having an undesirable goal is explained by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci in their experiment on intrinsic motivation. The theory says that we are less motivated by rewards and more motivated by a sense of autonomy (choice and control) over our actions.

If your goal is to get good grades or exercise daily, but your goal isn't self-generated, it can lead to inconsistent motivation.