I love the red pill vs. blue pill metaphor from the movie Matrix. Take the red pill and face the harsh realities of life. Take the blue pill and live in a fantasy land. This is the choice that parents raising athletes have. The Red Pill The red pill is facing the reality your child […]
Kids need three things before they are self-motivated to take action. The first requirement is providing the child a detailed understanding of what they need to do. Second, they need to know why it’s important for them to do it. Third and finally, they need to believe that if they try to do it, they […]
I write often about why parents should be careful about using extrinsic motivation shortcuts over developing intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is essentially self-motivation, while extrinsic motivation comes from carrot and stick bribes, rewards, and punishments. Research shows that self-motivated kids are happier and healthier than those who are motivated by carrot and stick tactics. I […]