Motivational tricks and tools
It can be tempting to describe a motivated person by saying something like ‘they stick with it and get the job done on time’.
And when we do that, we can get fooled into looking for the tricks and tools they use to stay organised, on task, on track, and on time.
But these tricks and tools are fool’s gold. They don’t create motivation or even the conditions for it.
Motivation comes from within, and its wellspring has three aspects:
+ being in control of one’s experience,
+ being driven by a purpose,
+ feeling connected to others who can offer positive support.
Any other way of getting people to ‘stick with it and get the job done on time’ is the exertion of power and utilisation of fear. Or, as we politely describe it, extrinsic motivation. There are heaps of tools for that kind of motivation.
Want truly motivated learners? Give them control, help them find a purpose, and work to foster a culture of support and connection.