According to Adler's Individual Psychology, what primarily motivates behavior?

Adler's Individual Psychology emphasizes the importance of future goals and purposes as the primary motivators of human behavior. He believed that individuals are driven by a desire to achieve personal and social goals, which help to shape their actions and decisions. This forward-looking perspective is crucial to understanding human behavior, as it highlights the significance of striving for success, belonging, and overcoming feelings of inferiority.

Adler posited that people are not merely products of their past experiences or traumas, nor are their behaviors solely dictated by unconscious instincts or external societal pressures. Instead, individuals are seen as active participants in their lives, setting goals that guide their behaviors in a quest for meaning and fulfillment. This future-oriented motivation plays a significant role in personal development and mental health, as it encourages individuals to envision and work towards a better future.