Motivational Factors

Study Guide

*Know the definitions and applications for all of the following concepts and theories in order to pass your test THURSDAY! Use your notes, readings, and assignments to prepare!

Chapter 12 – Motivation

  • Myths 1, 2, 3

#1: Intensity is not motivation (intensity is HOW you act, motivation is WHY)

#2: Positive thinking will solve motivational problems

#3: Motivation is inborn

  • Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation (External reward vs. internal joy)
  • Overjustification Effect: When rewarded for something you already enjoy, it decreases your intrinsic motivation
  • Flaws of Extrinsic Motivation: decrease intrinsic motivation, when rewards stop the motivation to do the activity stops, more likely to crack under pressure, actual performance is not as good
  • Ways to increase intrinsic motivation
  • Promote athletic environment of joy & challenge
  • Praise
  • Feel success in daily practice
  • Set own goals
  • Vary workouts

  • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Motivation

Chapter 14 – Motivational Disease

*Know the definition, symptoms, causes, and cures for each one

  1. Learned Helplessness
  2. Fear of Failure
  3. Fear of Success
  4. Pathological Perfection
  5. Underachievement

Chapter 15 – Intensity

  • “Scientific” formula
  • Energy intensity = [Density of the energy] x [Velocity of the energy]
  • Density: how much energy is packed into each unit of area (flashlight beam/spread out or laser beam/concentrated or dense…laser beam has more density)
  • Velocity: how fast the energy is traveling (two cars hit brick wall, 20 vs. 60 mph; 60 has higher velocity)
  • “Athletic” formula
  • Athletic Intensity = [Focused Desire/Passion] x [Aggressive Action]
  • Velocity vs. Density for Athletes

Density: Focused desire

Velocity: Aggressive action

  • Increasing Intensity
  • Attitude/commitment: approach every situation with intensity (conscious decision)
  • Draw on your passion/love of sport to fuel intensity…FOCUS your energy into hard play.
  • Two tips for battling fatigue
  • Shift focus from fatigue to some technical aspect of sport (shift from “feeling” to “doing”)
  • Self-talk: Remind yourself how much hard work you’ve put into this…don’t give up now!

Chapter 16 – Motivational Dip

  • Definition of
  • At the beginning of an activity it is fun & you are easily engaged, then the DIP happens. It is the space between staring & mastery/”beginner” and “expert”, space between “beginner’s luck” and “real accomplishment”
  • ¾ (3rd lap is the slowest!)
  • Happens in career, course of a season, individual competition, or workout.
  • Leaning into the dip
  • Don’t just “ride out” the dip, LEAN…push harder, change the rules as you go
  • Cul-de-sac
  • Where you work & work, but nothing much changes.
  • Divert time & energy from accomplishing great things/time & energy sucked up by other aspects of life
  • If spread too thin, consider cutting back…focus energy on being the best in something specific
  • Cliff
  • Experience immediate success but the inevitable result is a sudden crash (smoking)
  • Doesn’t happen often to athletes
  • Three questions to ask yourself if you are considering quitting:
  • Am I panicking?
  • Who am I trying to influence?
  • What sort of measurable progress am I making?
  • When you should decide to quit?
  • Not in the dip, cul-de-sac is a viable option
  • Plan ahead; under what conditions would you consider quitting
  • Consider long-term consequences
  • Keep in bind long-term benefits