@freemo 1 [U] eagerness and willingness to do something without needing to be told or forced to do it: sb's motivation// --efforts to improve employees' motivation// --Jack is an intelligent pupil, but he lacks motivation.// --a high level of motivation//
2 [C] the reason why you want to do something: motivation for (doing) sth// --What was your motivation for becoming a teacher?// --Escape can be a strong motivation for travel.// motivation behind// --There is suspicion about the motivation behind the changes we are debating.// -- motivational adj // --motivational speeches//

Uhhh, action comes before the reason for the action or the willingness to do it?.. Could you perhaps elaborate?