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Today we talked about MOTIVATION... what makes you want to be successful?
Are you rewards external-Extrinsic? Or Internal-Intrinsic?
How can we use rewards to be successful......
Jim was failing science and math at school. He was called to the guidance office. He wasn't looking forward to the meeting and the lecture he was sure to get. He'd heard it all before. Jim knew he needed to get better grades. It's just that school was so boring; it was hard to stay awake in class. He kept telling himself that he'd do better on the next test, the next week, and the next semester. He just never got around to it.
2 Jim walked slowly into the counselor's office. He was expecting Mr. Jones to greet him and begin the lecture. Instead, a new counselor, Mr. Abrams, met him. He shook Jim's hand and introduced himself.
3 Jim explained to Mr. Abrams how he felt about school. Then, Mr. Abrams asked him a question: "What motivates you?"
4 Jim didn't know how to answer that question. He'd never really thought about it before. Mr. Abrams said that he knew Jim wouldn't want to study every time he was supposed to. Jim needed to find a way to motivate himself to do school work even if he didn't feel like it. Jim should reward himself somehow when he does well. This way, Jim would keep on working hard and get better grades.
5 Mr. Abrams explained that there are two types of rewards, extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic rewards are things that come from the outside. Examples include food, CDs, money, and good grades. They are things that you give yourself or things someone else gives you when you do something good. It's kind of like giving a dog a bone when he's done his newest trick.
6 Intrinsic rewards come from within yourself. They are things you do or feel after you've done a good job. Some examples include pride and a sense of accomplishment.
7 Mr. Abrams gave Jim some examples. "Let's say you've just studied for an hour for your science test. You feel good about it. That's an intrinsic reward. You decide to make yourself a hot fudge sundae. That's an extrinsic reward," he told Jim.
8 "Then you take the test. You get an 'A'. The grade itself is an extrinsic reward. You decide to celebrate by going out for pizza. That's another extrinsic reward. The pride you feel about getting the 'A' is an intrinsic reward," Mr. Abrams explained.
9 The key is to find what you are willing to work for. It is good to have a mix of extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. Reward yourself after your school work is complete each night. Set small goals, such as getting at least a "C" on your next test. Then, give yourself a reward when you accomplish them.
10 Find ways to keep yourself going when the work gets tough. Find an inspiring quote. An example is, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," said by Knute Rockne, a football coach, trying to inspire his team. There are thousands of quotes you can find online. When you find one that inspires you, write it down and post it in your study area. The same can be done with a song. Or watch a movie such as Rocky that deals with someone being successful when challenged.
11 Extrinsic and intrinsic rewards can help you to keep going and do your best. Jim decided to try out the advice Mr. Abrams gave him. He took short breaks while he was studying and made himself snacks when he was finished with his homework. He rewarded himself with a new CD every time he got an "A" on his report card. Soon, the pride he felt when he got good grades was enough of a reward for him. Jim knew these grades would open up many opportunities for his future
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