

The Science of Motivating Young People w/ Dr. David Yeager
242 snips Aug 9, 2024
Dr. David Yeager, a developmental psychologist and author of "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People," shares cutting-edge insights on motivating youth. He emphasizes the dangers of 'groansplaining' and the importance of a mentor mindset. The conversation dives into rethinking anxiety as a growth tool and understanding the nuanced motivations of young people. Yeager also offers practical strategies for parents to balance expectations with support, helping to nurture resilience and autonomy in adolescents.
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Teenage Motivation
- Teens crave autonomy, independence, contribution, and reputation.
- Their "unmotivated" behavior often stems from unmet desires for these values.
Reframing Anxiety
- Dr. Yeager's daughter overcame her fear of water skiing after he reframed her anxiety as excitement.
- She later applied this same reframing to a cello audition, demonstrating the lasting impact of reframing anxiety.
Responding to Distress
- Avoid "groansplaining" (lecturing) to kids in distress; ask thoughtful questions instead.
- Offer guidance when a situation's meaning is ambiguous for them, helping them reframe challenges positively.