Motivation: Are We Doing It Right?

The short answer is no.

I recently wrote an educational blog post about how we often misinterpret unmotivated behavior in students as being lazy, when in reality they are NOT unmotivated. Research is plentiful on motivation and The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard explains that dopamine and serotonin pathways trigger regions of the brain in such a way that repeated experiences result in thoughts and behaviors.

So, unpleasant, unsuccessful experiences, result in avoidance behaviors. However, powerful positive associations build self- esteem and create memories that result in “feel good” actions, that create a culture of success and motivation.

Fascinating way to look at academic behaviors in kids, right? And as I continued to write recommendations for parents and educators, I had a light bulb moment. Are we as adults applying these recommendations ourselves to tap into our most productive and motivated selves? Probably not.

So, let’s get real with ourselves and kind at the same time. If positive, joy filled, and success- based behaviors create those feel-good behaviors that lead to motivation, then why aren’t we tapping in and digging deep?

• Make time for what brings you joy. Play the music, reward yourself when you complete a task, watch the sunset.
• Use positive self-talk. If you catch yourself in self-deprecating and negative thoughts, turn them off and consider positive mantras and self-love.
• Be curious in the world around you. Somewhere along the line, we lost the art of being curious. Maybe we are over scheduled and rushing so much, that curiosity is a foreign concept. As creators, artists, and humans we need to cultivate curiosity.
• So, go forth and rejuvenate those neuropathways, love yourself, and follow curiosity wherever it may take you. Because when you do, you are setting the stage for you own motivation!

On the Web

Every week I will be posting a 10-minute tutorial on YouTube, on a topic related to executive function and the science and psychology of learning, as well as ways you can develop personally and professionally while focusing on your own Executive Functions. 

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for the latest updates! 

As a part of The Executive Function Project, our weekly blogs will explore executive functions, providing valuable insights into their impact on both professional and personal development. Join me on this enriching journey and be sure to stay tuned with our weekly blog posts. 

Visit my blog page to learn more! 

Let’s Connect on Socials

Instagram: @dr.dawn.matera 

Facebook: Dr. Dawn Matera 

Linkedin: Dawn Matera, Ed.D. 

Pinterest: Dr. Dawn Matera 

Website: www.drdawnmatera.com