Experts Wendy Grolnick, PhD, and Frank Worrell, PhD debunk motivation myths, emphasizing the impact of internal motives and autonomy over rewards. They discuss the role of competition, praise, and visualization in enhancing motivation, highlighting the importance of structure and addressing societal inequalities to foster inclusivity and belonging.
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Quick takeaways
Motivation is not fixed but influenced by interests and context, shifting focus from rewards to intrinsic value enhances long-term motivation.
Praising effort over innate abilities fosters growth mindsets, emphasizing cooperation for personal development trumps excessive focus on competition.
Deep dives
Myth of Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is not an inherent trait but is influenced by one's interests and context. The misconception that some people are inherently motivated can hinder how individuals are perceived and treated. Motivation is based on energy, direction, and personal beliefs, which can vary in different situations.
Impact of Rewards on Motivation
Rewards can diminish intrinsic motivation by shifting focus to external incentives rather than the value of the task itself. While rewards can lead to temporary compliance, they may devalue the task and reduce long-term motivation. External rewards can undermine the intrinsic joy and importance of activities, particularly among children.
Influence of Praise on Motivation
Praising inherent intelligence or abilities can create fixed mindsets, where individuals tie success solely to innate qualities. This limits resilience and effort in the face of challenge, as individuals fear failure may signify a loss of innate traits. Focusing on effort, perseverance, and process-oriented achievements fosters a growth mindset and enhances motivation.
Balancing Competition and Cooperation
Competition can vary in its effects based on individual attitudes and cultural influences. While excessive focus on winning can lead to unethical behaviors and decreased motivation, a self-developmental competition mindset promotes growth. Cooperation often trumps competition, especially when it promotes personal development and learning rather than mere victory.
Why can’t I get myself to run that 5K? Why isn’t my child getting better grades? We all have things that we struggle to accomplish – or that we struggle to get someone else to accomplish. Frank Worrell, PhD, and Wendy Grolnick, PhD, co-authors of “Motivation Myth Busters: Science-based Strategies to Boost Motivation in Yourself and Others,” discuss how our misconceptions about motivation get in the way of reaching our goals, why there’s no such thing as an “unmotivated” person, and the merits and drawbacks of strategies like rewards, competition and praise.