What describes the process of motivation more accurately?

The process of motivation is best described as a mental process leading to action because it encompasses the psychological factors that drive individuals to pursue goals or fulfill needs. Motivation originates within the mind, reflecting personal desires, aspirations, and emotional states. This internal drive compels action; it influences choices, persistence, and the effort a person invests in achieving something.

In contrast, while physical activity can result from motivation, it does not inherently capture the essence of motivation itself. Motivation serves as the catalyst for such actions. Similarly, external drives, such as rewards or social influences, can certainly impact motivation, but they do not encompass the full, intrinsic psychological process. Supervision by others may affect motivation levels, particularly in a work or educational environment, but that too does not define motivation, which fundamentally starts within the individual. Thus, the mental process leading to action adequately sums up the core of motivation.