Final answer:
A discrepancy functions as a motivational spring to action when there is a gap between a person's current state and their ideal state, and this is closely related to the concept of incongruence and cognitive dissonance in psychology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept described in the question refers to a discrepancy, which is a motivational trigger that occurs when there is a significant difference between an individual's current state of life and their ideal state or hoped-for self. This concept is closely related to the psychological theory of incongruence, where a person experiences a mismatch between their real self and their ideal self, often leading to various degrees of maladjustment. This discrepancy creates cognitive dissonance, a state of psychological discomfort that arises from conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors.
In the context given, when a person perceives that their life is not aligning with how they ideally wish it to be, this perceived gap spurs them to take action to try to close the gap and reach a state more consistent with their ideal self. Such drive toward reducing this discrepancy is at the heart of many motivational theories in psychology.