Beyond Boundaries: Self-Motivation and Empowerment

Introduction

• Theme: Beyond boundaries
• Boundaries signify rules, regulations, and restrictions
• The importance of figures who enforce boundaries (parents, teachers, supervisors)
  • These figures hold us accountable
  • Need for accountability to do the right thing
• Beyond boundaries: Leaders who inspire us to do more
  • Doing beyond the call of duty out of will, not compulsion

Empowerment

• Empowerment: Key to self-motivation
• Management view of empowerment: “Get it done” with fewer resources, time
• Feeling empowered: Self-motivation
• How to assess self-motivation:
  • Based on research, not common sense

Three Questions to Feel Empowered

1. Can you do it? (Self-efficacy)

• Belief in one’s ability to perform a task
• Required time, knowledge, training

2. Will it work? (Response-efficacy)

• Belief in the effectiveness of the process
• Educational and theoretical backing

3. Is it worth it? (Motivational question)

• Based on consequences and rewards
• Concept of “selection by consequences” (B.F. Skinner)

Feeling Competent

• Answering yes to the three questions leads to feeling competent
• Importance of feedback and recognition
  • Helps individuals feel competent
• Role of autonomy (Choice)
  • Sense of having choice enhances self-motivation
  • Positive vs. negative consequences (positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement)
  • Importance of pursuing success over avoiding failure

Paradigms and Perception

• Paradigm: Influences motivation and communication
• Success seekers vs. Failure avoiders
  • Communicating choices and perspective
  • Importance of perceiving and communicating choice

Community

• Importance of social support and connection
• Sense of relatedness enhances motivation and well-being
• The Cookie Thief by Valerie Cox*
  • Illustrates misunderstanding, perspective, and community
  • Question of independence vs. interdependence

Culture Shift: From Independent to Interdependent

• Society encourages independence
• Need for a shift towards interdependence
• Four “C” words for self-motivation:
  1. Competence
  2. Consequences
  3. Choice
  4. Community

Personal Story: Drum Lessons

• Learning to play the drums at age 10
• Vision and accountability: Inspired by famous drummers, parental accountability
• Teacher’s influence: Competence through learning, practicing, feedback
• Struggle with learning a drum roll, leading to distress and learned helplessness
• Breakdown method: Simplifying complex tasks to overcome challenges
• Importance of reciprocal learning: Learning from students and peers

Conclusion

• Emphasis on community and mutual support
• Importance of fostering self-motivation through perceptions of competence, understanding consequences, offering choice, and building a sense of community
• Humility and courage: Essential in accepting feedback and supporting each other’s learning
• Call to action: Help each other to feel self-motivated and actively care for community