The Dream Killer Parents Must Protect Their Children From
Parents must constantly watch out for the most detrimental type of motivation that could potentially leave a permanent scar on a child’s mindset. This is a type of motivation the experts call amotivation. Amotivation is not only when a child lacks the motivation to do something, but it’s also far worse.
Amotivation is when this lack of motivation is the result of feeling powerless due to believing effort won’t produce any results. The child may actually enjoy an activity but will not want to do it because the child simply feels that no matter how hard they try they won’t get better.
A Case Study of Dealing with Amotivation
Imagine Jane, a talented young tennis player with a passion for the sport. She loves the feel of the racquet in her hand and the thrill of a perfectly executed serve. However, as she advances through her junior tournaments, she faces increasingly tough opponents. Losses become more frequent, and Jane starts to doubt her abilities. Despite her genuine enjoyment of tennis, she’s plagued by amotivation. She believes that no amount of practice or effort will bridge the gap between her current skill level and that of her rivals. Her dream of becoming a top-ranked player begins to wither.
Realizing the toll that amotivation was taking on their daughter, Jane’s parents decided it was time to intervene. They understood that they needed to address her growing doubts and help her rekindle her passion for tennis. Here’s how they embarked on this journey with Jane:
1. Embracing a Growth Mindset:
Jane’s parents began by having an open and empathetic conversation with her. They reassured her that everyone, even the greatest athletes, faces challenges and setbacks. They shared stories of tennis legends like Serena Williams and Steffi Graf, who encountered adversity but persevered through dedication and hard work. Jane’s parents emphasized that improvement is a continuous process, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way.
2. Setting Achievable Goals:
Together with Jane, her parents set realistic goals that focused on skill development and progress rather than winning matches. They broke down these goals into smaller, manageable steps, such as improving her serve or mastering a new technique. These objectives gave Jane a sense of purpose and direction.
3. Praise for Effort and Courage:
Jane’s parents made a conscious effort to praise her dedication and bravery, irrespective of a match’s outcome. They acknowledged the hard work she put into her training sessions and her determination to compete even when facing formidable opponents. This recognition boosted Jane’s confidence and made her feel supported.
4. Constructive Feedback:
During practice sessions, Jane’s coach provided constructive feedback that pinpointed specific areas for improvement. The coach worked closely with her parents to ensure that the guidance given was aligned with her goals. This feedback was framed positively, highlighting what she did well and offering suggestions for refinement.
5. Professional Support:
Recognizing the persistent nature of Jane’s amotivation, her parents sought the expertise of a sports psychologist who specialized in working with young athletes. This professional helped Jane address the deep-seated beliefs that were contributing to her feelings of powerlessness. Through therapy, Jane gained valuable insights into her mindset and strategies to overcome her mental barriers.
Amotivation is Overcome with Resilience and Determination
Over time, with support from her parents, Jane’s outlook began to shift. She no longer saw challenges as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for growth. Her commitment to practice intensified, and she approached each match with renewed enthusiasm. While her journey was not without its ups and downs, Jane’s resilience and determination ultimately triumphed.
Today, Jane continues to pursue her passion for tennis with a fire in her heart. She understands that success is not solely measured by wins and losses but by the courage to face adversity head-on. Her parents’ guidance, along with her newfound mindset, allowed her to defeat the amotivation monster and protect her dreams from being shattered. Jane’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of parental support and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
In shielding our children from the amotivation nightmare, we empower them to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience. By nurturing a growth mindset, setting achievable goals, praising effort, providing constructive feedback, and seeking professional guidance when needed, parents play a pivotal role in fostering the type of motivation that fuels their child’s ambitions and aspirations.