Studies indicate that the basal ganglia in the brain play a fundamental role in converting desire into action, and when they are impaired, even slightly, a person may become unable to initiate tasks despite being able to perform them if asked. Modern neuroscience research reveals that motivation is not merely a matter of mood or upbringing, but is linked to delicate brain systems that control how we evaluate effort and reward. This picture is seen in patients who were active and successful, then suddenly lost their desire to work. People vary significantly in their levels of motivation; while some are naturally driven towards achievement, others seem incapable of making any effort and are described as lazy or apathetic.
