Resources For You : Motivation
Motivation is defined as a conscious or subconscious factor that inclines a person to behave in a specific manner. It can also be the various motives that account for a certain behaviour.
Motivation is said to be negative when it's source is external to the subject, such as a person wanting to lose weight to please a partner. Such motivation can be useful in getting the person started on a weight loss programme, but it is negative in that as soon as the partner is satisfied, the dieter, having reached his/her goal, is inclined to stop trying.
Motivation is said to be positive when it's source is internal. People are positively motivated who want to lose weight for themselves, for their own well-being and self-esteem. This is positive motivation.