I spoke to an audience of university students
recently about balancing the art of staying focused and the art of leading
change. Afterwards, several students talked about how difficult this feat is.
The topic quickly swerved to New Year's resolutions -- which incidentally are
all about both focus and change. In essence, we ask ourselves:
"What changes must I make in my life to
improve it?" Then,
"How can I sustain my focus until the
resolution becomes a habit?"
Almost every student present admitted what most
Americans concede by late January: They have given up on their resolutions. The
reason, however, was what intrigued me. They all agreed it wasn't a lack of
resolve, but a lack of focus. They had all moved on to new interests. Focus --
especially long-term focus -- is very difficult for Generation iY.
In Daniel Goleman's latest book, Focus, he
explains the research. When technology increases, there is always a trade off:
Life becomes streamlined and convenient. At the same time, however, users
experience a reduction in the ability to remain motivated for long periods of
time. As I've written before, inward motivation has been replaced by outward
stimulation. The smart phone, the tablet, the device, the gadget... is at our
fingertips. We now have a Google-reflex.
What Cultural Realities Hinder Motivation in
Students?
1. Too many choices
Although we all love the cafeteria lifestyle,
having so many options cannot only paralyze an adolescent, but it can also
reduce their motivation. Why stay committed to something when we know something
else, probably something better, will come along soon?
2. A fast-paced lifestyle
We live in a world of speed, and it's evident
in every area of our lives: Instagram, Snapchat, high-speed Internet access,
fast food and microwave ovens. Unfortunately, when we have to wait on very
little, we never learn to delay gratification. As a result, students will
naturally experience diminished motivation.
3. The credit bubble
I am not a financial advisor, but students
who've grown up in a world where they and their parents have purchased
"wants" on credit will find it difficult to wait or remain motivated.
Credit is a leading cause of our inability to cultivate motivation.
4. Celebrity Culture
Consider the fact that millions of people
follow the lives of a small group of celebrities. These stars are often
portrayed as ignorant, while reality TV shows portray dysfunctional people
getting rich because of it. We seem to worship bad behavior, not self-discipline.
5. Social Media
Social media has altered reality, enhanced
self-promotion and offered people a "fake" sense of who we really
are, as opposed to who we appear to be. Technology is not bad, but it's like
fire: It serves a great purpose, but when used imprudently, it can get out of
control and dangerous.
6. Self-Esteem Movement.
Our tendency to praise our kids so often
actually reduces their motivation. Think about it - if I'm told I'm awesome
just for playing soccer, how motivated will I be to improve? The movement has
actually fostered entitlement and narcissism.
How Do We Counter the De-Motivation Trend?
I believe we can begin to undo what culture has
done to kids by creating a counter-culture within our environment -- our class,
our team, our home or youth group. As you review the list above, what if you
met with your students and discussed this trend? Then, together, what if you
developed the opposite reality for the expressed purpose of deepening personal
and inward motivation? Here are some places to start:
1. Get them used to one choice, not many
options.
Once in a while, agree on a decision and don't
offer a myriad of options. Help them to learn to live with what's in front of
them -- a meal, a task, a project, etc.
2. Slow down the pace, and help them soak it
in.
Agree that your group of students will actually
"stop and smell the roses." Make a conscious effort to ease up on the
superficial pace and go deep as you converse.
3. Set goals, and make them wait to reach them.
Post photos or images of their goals, and talk
about those targets often. But be careful not to circumvent the process by
offering a prize before they've worked and waited.
4. Discuss and celebrate people who model
discipline and motivation.
Instead of Miley Cyrus or Kim Kardashian, why
not discuss the stories and virtues of those who labor to add value to others
and serve those in need? Find "true" celebrities or real life role
models.
5. Agree on a technology fast.
This won't work unless you agree on it, but
decide on a period of time where you will turn off the "ping" of that
cell phone text or tweet and the endorphins it creates.
6. Determine to match your praise with actual
achievement.Once your students understand your love and belief in them, choose
to only affirm achievement, and match your words with it. If it isn't
awesome... don't call it that.
Tim Elmore
Founder and President of Growing Leaders,
Best-Selling Author
I spoke to an audience of university students
recently about balancing the art of staying focused and the art of leading
change. Afterwards, several students talked about how difficult this feat is.
The topic quickly swerved to New Year's resolutions -- which incidentally are
all about both focus and change. In essence, we ask ourselves:
"What changes must I make in my life to
improve it?" Then,
"How can I sustain my focus until the
resolution becomes a habit?"
Almost every student present admitted what most
Americans concede by late January: They have given up on their resolutions. The
reason, however, was what intrigued me. They all agreed it wasn't a lack of
resolve, but a lack of focus. They had all moved on to new interests. Focus --
especially long-term focus -- is very difficult for Generation iY.
In Daniel Goleman's latest book, Focus, he
explains the research. When technology increases, there is always a trade off:
Life becomes streamlined and convenient. At the same time, however, users
experience a reduction in the ability to remain motivated for long periods of
time. As I've written before, inward motivation has been replaced by outward
stimulation. The smart phone, the tablet, the device, the gadget... is at our
fingertips. We now have a Google-reflex.
What Cultural Realities Hinder Motivation in
Students?
1. Too many choices
Although we all love the cafeteria lifestyle,
having so many options cannot only paralyze an adolescent, but it can also
reduce their motivation. Why stay committed to something when we know something
else, probably something better, will come along soon?
2. A fast-paced lifestyle
We live in a world of speed, and it's evident
in every area of our lives: Instagram, Snapchat, high-speed Internet access,
fast food and microwave ovens. Unfortunately, when we have to wait on very
little, we never learn to delay gratification. As a result, students will
naturally experience diminished motivation.
3. The credit bubble
I am not a financial advisor, but students
who've grown up in a world where they and their parents have purchased
"wants" on credit will find it difficult to wait or remain motivated.
Credit is a leading cause of our inability to cultivate motivation.
4. Celebrity Culture
Consider the fact that millions of people
follow the lives of a small group of celebrities. These stars are often
portrayed as ignorant, while reality TV shows portray dysfunctional people
getting rich because of it. We seem to worship bad behavior, not self-discipline.
5. Social Media
Social media has altered reality, enhanced
self-promotion and offered people a "fake" sense of who we really
are, as opposed to who we appear to be. Technology is not bad, but it's like
fire: It serves a great purpose, but when used imprudently, it can get out of
control and dangerous.
6. Self-Esteem Movement.
Our tendency to praise our kids so often
actually reduces their motivation. Think about it - if I'm told I'm awesome
just for playing soccer, how motivated will I be to improve? The movement has
actually fostered entitlement and narcissism.
How Do We Counter the De-Motivation Trend?
I believe we can begin to undo what culture has
done to kids by creating a counter-culture within our environment -- our class,
our team, our home or youth group. As you review the list above, what if you
met with your students and discussed this trend? Then, together, what if you
developed the opposite reality for the expressed purpose of deepening personal
and inward motivation? Here are some places to start:
1. Get them used to one choice, not many
options.
Once in a while, agree on a decision and don't
offer a myriad of options. Help them to learn to live with what's in front of
them -- a meal, a task, a project, etc.
2. Slow down the pace, and help them soak it
in.
Agree that your group of students will actually
"stop and smell the roses." Make a conscious effort to ease up on the
superficial pace and go deep as you converse.
3. Set goals, and make them wait to reach them.
Post photos or images of their goals, and talk
about those targets often. But be careful not to circumvent the process by
offering a prize before they've worked and waited.
4. Discuss and celebrate people who model
discipline and motivation.
Instead of Miley Cyrus or Kim Kardashian, why
not discuss the stories and virtues of those who labor to add value to others
and serve those in need? Find "true" celebrities or real life role
models.
5. Agree on a technology fast.
This won't work unless you agree on it, but
decide on a period of time where you will turn off the "ping" of that
cell phone text or tweet and the endorphins it creates.
6. Determine to match your praise with actual
achievement.Once your students understand your love and belief in them, choose
to only affirm achievement, and match your words with it. If it isn't
awesome... don't call it that.
Tim Elmore
Founder and President of Growing Leaders,
Best-Selling Author
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