The motivation problem
THE PUZZLE OF MOTIVATION
HOOK:
Before I start I would like to ask you how many of you have scientific methods this semester? So you have to write a report and the subjects are fairly complex yet it is compulsory. Most of you are probably thinking that you have to get started with this report soon but you can’t find any motivation to do so. And the others who had it last semester, how did you find the motivation to start it? It’s often said that the hardest part is to start isn’t it? Well my subject today is the puzzle of motivation.
Intro:
By the end of this morning’s talk you’ll know how to say “no I don’t want to do it now” and still feel good about it. I will give you a brief overview. Firstly we’ll be looking at the keys to getting motivated. Then we will see the power of structured procrastination. At last we will do two experiences that I hope you will remember after the end of my talk
I. The key to getting motivated
a) What motivates us?
No matter how interesting your work is, there are some days when you just can’t sum up any enthusiasm for it.
What motivates us to do great work? It’s an age-old question. But the age-old answers – money, rewards, and security. However these are all long term motivators and it doesn’t seem to be sufficient to find motivation on the short term. Do they? Obviously you need more motivation. So you may start scouring the web for motivational tips (visualize your goals! reconnect with your ‘core values’!). But has it ever worked for anyone? Has it?
b) Just do it
Many psychologists have repeatedly demonstrated that our efforts to control our mind and emotions usually backfire. Julie A. Fast is a world leading mental health expert on the topics of mood management. She crystallized the solution in a simple sentence: “Don’t wait until you feel like doing something. “ You probably all think that this is obvious. But think about it. When you are all mired in negative emotions about the work you have to do try to get a
HOOK:
Before I start I would like to ask you how many of you have scientific methods this semester? So you have to write a report and the subjects are fairly complex yet it is compulsory. Most of you are probably thinking that you have to get started with this report soon but you can’t find any motivation to do so. And the others who had it last semester, how did you find the motivation to start it? It’s often said that the hardest part is to start isn’t it? Well my subject today is the puzzle of motivation.
Intro:
By the end of this morning’s talk you’ll know how to say “no I don’t want to do it now” and still feel good about it. I will give you a brief overview. Firstly we’ll be looking at the keys to getting motivated. Then we will see the power of structured procrastination. At last we will do two experiences that I hope you will remember after the end of my talk
I. The key to getting motivated
a) What motivates us?
No matter how interesting your work is, there are some days when you just can’t sum up any enthusiasm for it.
What motivates us to do great work? It’s an age-old question. But the age-old answers – money, rewards, and security. However these are all long term motivators and it doesn’t seem to be sufficient to find motivation on the short term. Do they? Obviously you need more motivation. So you may start scouring the web for motivational tips (visualize your goals! reconnect with your ‘core values’!). But has it ever worked for anyone? Has it?
b) Just do it
Many psychologists have repeatedly demonstrated that our efforts to control our mind and emotions usually backfire. Julie A. Fast is a world leading mental health expert on the topics of mood management. She crystallized the solution in a simple sentence: “Don’t wait until you feel like doing something. “ You probably all think that this is obvious. But think about it. When you are all mired in negative emotions about the work you have to do try to get a