Why We Do What We Do

Psychology Today | 20.05.2026 03:18
Just as a river shapes a canyon, our emotions run through us, shaping our everyday lives. Some propel us in a positive direction, while others are the monkey on our backs, keeping us from moving forward, sabotaging our happiness. Knowing what these drivers are allows us to step back, focus on solutions, and reset our priorities. Here are seven common ones, ranked from most negative to most positive. See which ones are running you the most: