Lagun’s Law and the Foundations of Cognitive Drive Architecture: A First Principles Theory of Effort and Performance

Individuals often fail to initiate or sustain effort despite having clear intent and adequate capability. While existing frameworks in motivation, attention, and executive function describe relevant correlates, they do not formalize the internal structure that governs whether Drive is mechanically possible. This paper introduces Cognitive Drive Architecture (CDA), a first-principles framework that defines Drive as the output of real-time system configuration. The model is formalized through Lagunian Dynamics, a structural theory expressed as Lagun's Law of Primode and Flexion Dynamics.The model specifies six internal variables—Primode, CAP, Flexion, Anchory, Grain, and Slip—which interact across three operational domains: Ignition, Tension, and Flux. Each variable is defined by its structural function, not by psychological trait or surface behavior. The Drive equation models ignition, adaptability, resistance, and variability as compositional contributors to engagement output.Each component is aligned with existing constructs in cognitive science and can be operationalized through behavioral and physiological proxies. The system yields falsifiable predictions regarding task initiation failure, dropout patterns, and intraindividual performance variance. CDA is not a motivational theory, but a structural model intended for empirical testing, adaptation, and cross-domain application.