We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.
(Franklin D. Roosevelt).
As we step into 2024, the journey to empower our teens takes center stage. Self-motivation emerges as a force for success, a driving factor that propels teenagers towards their goals. Let’s delve into the nuances of intrinsic motivation, understanding its significance and how we, as parents, can guide our teens on this transformative journey.
Motivation, simply put, is the desire to achieve a goal. The first crucial steps involve defining these goals and outlining the steps to attain them. Motivation, however, comes in two forms: intrinsic and extrinsic. While extrinsic motivation relies on external factors like parental encouragement or peer influence, intrinsic motivation is an internal force, a character trait that propels individuals to push themselves.
For our teens to develop intrinsic motivation, they need to foster self-confidence, believe in their capabilities, find social acceptance, and grasp the rewards of motivating themselves. Intrinsic motivation is the secret that propels them beyond the external motivators, fostering a sustainable drive for success.
The journey to internalize motivation begins with crafting a personal mission statement. This statement acts as a compass, helping teens understand their present selves and envision their desired future. Next, breaking down these visions into tangible goals creates a roadmap for success. Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation come into play at this stage.
Yet, when the daily grind threatens to dull the initial excitement, it’s the intrinsic motivation that keeps the flame burning. Cultivating this trait involves setting a schedule – a simple yet effective tool to keep goals on autopilot. Think about your favorite pro athlete; they adhere to a set schedule for success. While they have professional trainers, the intrinsic desire to succeed and the habit of disciplined practice are what truly set them apart.
Our teenagers can follow suit by creating schedules, fanning the flames of internal motivation. Encouraging them as they achieve these goals becomes the catalyst for bigger dreams that can eventually change the world. In the pursuit of success, let’s empower our teens with the tools to kindle their internal fire and navigate the path of intrinsic motivation in the promising year ahead.