Counsellors' Corner

The Power of Motivation

As we quickly make our way through Term 3, uncertainty is still a common experience for many people.  This uncertainty can be uncomfortable and can make it difficult to plan, set goals, and find motivation for daily tasks.  This is true for adults, young people, and children alike.  This year has been a challenge for us all with the ever-changing circumstances around the world and with many factors outside our control.  This can be difficult in the lives of young people as they try to navigate their learning in a rapidly changing environment.

Motivation is something with which young people often struggle, particularly regarding their learning.  When we are facing circumstances that are outside our control, motivation can be difficult to harness.  However, if we can shift our focus to the things we value, it can help to drive us to achieve our goals.  Each person is motivated by different factors, many of which are external to us (eg grades on assessment).  However, there are times when we must persevere, even when no external factor is motivating us.  Intrinsic motivation - the motivation from within - can be a powerful influence in the absence of external rewards (eg participating in community events without necessarily receiving recognition for this). These are some suggestions to help cultivate intrinsic motivation in your young person.

1. Encourage your young person to think outside the box.  This assists young people to learn the skills of problem solving and to become an autonomous learner 
2. Tap into your young person’s imagination as it may assist with motivation if they have space to unleash their creativity
3. Reflect with your young person about the purpose of their education and helping them to see the bigger picture.
4. Encourage your young person to participate in activities that contribute to society. Young people feel motivated when they are working towards something bigger than themselves.
5. While not every young person will enjoy their learning experience, remind them that they have choice and control over the learner they want to be.
6. Keep in mind that fear is not a helpful motivator.  Threatening consequences based on their achievement can have the opposite effect for their motivation and willingness to learn
7. Remember the power of encouragement.  Some people feel powerless to complete a task before they attempt it.  Use words of encouragement about their competence to boost their self-esteem and confidence in themselves
8. Assist your young person to make achievable goals for each day.  This can help keep them engaged in the tasks they are required to do.
9. Provide regular and authentic feedback to your young person.  Be careful to provide feedback that is relevant to the behaviour rather than the person. 
10.  Model intrinsic behaviour.  The approach you take towards your work, as well as the expectations you have of yourself, your values, and beliefs, help to shape who your young person will become.

Wishing you and your families the best as we head into a busy time of term.

Ellie Keane and Emma Moore