Critical Thinking
This essay answers two questions. The first one deals with the type of motivation that affects this particular individual. The choice is the intrinsic one, where the motivation comes from the individual himself, and not from the promise of receiving a prize or reward, thus being recognized by his community. The second question deals with the challenges of student life, the hardest one and with the appropriate manner in overcoming this chosen challenge.
Keywords: motivation, college, intrinsic, extrinsic, point
The two types of motivation that exist, urging us to push forward, towards the realization of our plans and dreams, have different effects on different people. While for some, true motivation comes from the fact that they will be praised by the society and people around them for doing a praise-worthy action, for others, true praise comes only from the intrinsic sense of self-satisfaction. Richard M. Ryan and Edward L. Deci state that “perhaps no single phenomenon reflects the positive potential of human nature as much as intrinsic motivation, the inherent tendency to seek out novelty and challenges, to extend and exercise one’s capacities, to explore, and to learn” (2000, p. 70). Naturally, we feel empowered when what we do, results in open appraisal by our peers and surroundings. But, true motivation, the one that pushes an individual over the limits of what he thinks is possible, is the one that comes from the individual himself, and not from his surroundings. An individual should aim to do a good job not simply because he will be rewarded for it or be punished if he does not do it. The internal value system is what we all develop throughout out formation years, where we differentiate between good and bad, moral and immoral, right and wrong. Thus, based on these differentiations, we act accordingly, looking for approval, be it our own or everyone else’s. Being motivated by one’s own wishes, needs and desires means operating according to one’s own inner, value system. Consequently, being a student is considered a twofold job: he studies either because a traditional system of values inside his own family forced him to follow the path of the father or the grandfather, and thus, any deviations from this traditional norm is unacceptable, or, as it is mostly the case with today’s students, they study for the purpose of developing themselves, their knowledge and expanding their horizons. It is not only a question of good grades and graduating, it is something much more. It is an inner motivation aimed at personal development and growth.
Every stage of life carries certain challenges within itself, and college is no exception to this rule. It is a time of defining oneself and precisely stating one’s future goals, during which one is “developing ‘survival’ skills (e.g. money and time management skills, personal goal setting); developing the self discipline to ‘just do it’ when a task or obligation was recognized; taking responsibility for one’s physical, financial and academic well-being” (Clark, 2005, p. 297). After the initial shock of removing oneself from the safety of high school and entering the adult world, the adjustment process slowly starts to take place. Currently, my life situation is a pretty steady one. I know what I want and I know how to get it. The challenge of course, is managing to stay on the right track and continuing on the path that I have chosen for myself. When it comes to overcoming this challenge, I find that communication is the key for any successful endeavor, be it a personal one or a business one. Lack of communication only brings forth confusion and disarray, while those who are open and honest about their actions, appear to be favored by gods, in the sense that by revealing your cards, you get others to do so as well, and then you know exactly how you can help each other, so that both parties emerge satisfied. I try to apply this technique to my studies as well. By being an exemplary student, I establish myself as a hard-worker, someone who knows that good things in life do not just fall down from the sky, but rather, one has to work for them. Thus, my words mirror my actions, which is exactly how one stays on the right path.
References:
Clark, M. R. (2005). Negotiating the Freshman Year: Challenges and Strategies Among First-Year College Students. Journal of College Student Development, 46(3), 296-316.
Plant, E. A. and P. G. Devine. (1998). Internal and External Motivation to Respond Without Prejudice. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(3), 811-832.
Ryan, R. M. and E. L. Deci. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
