Developing a Child’s Self-Motivation Starts with Integrity

The age-old saying is that integrity is doing the right thing (something ethical but inconvenient) even when no one is looking. Similarly, self-motivation is doing the right thing (something important but not fun) without the need of a reward or punishment. This in effect makes integrity and self-motivation two sides of the same coin. Just like […]

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Developing a Child’s Self-motivation To Do Things That Aren’t Fun

A critical part of the maturing process for children is developing self-motivation to do things that aren’t fun. Everything from brushing and flossing teeth to taking out the garbage, to practicing on the weekend while other kids are playing video games. When a child has the self-motivation to do something important that’s not fun without […]

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The One Skill a Young Athlete’s First Coach Should Have Above All Others

Yesterday I wrote about how Anders Ericsson’s approach to deliberate practice was the key to becoming an expert performer. Today, I want to make an important clarification with respect to youth sports and very young athletes in particular. Ericsson’s research shows the critical ingredient for becoming the best of the best is private coaching. Moreover, […]

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