Just like Alice, “burning with curiosity”, down the Deci rabbit hole I have gone, “never once considering how in the world [I am] to get out again.” My readings into self-determination theory are deep, winding and fascinating! Pink pointed the way, @SaysMiss (on Twitter) brilliantly sent me to this research-packed website, and here I am, […]
Month: January 2023
To Reward or Not…?
“Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do. Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.” Mark Twain Most of us crave choice, that feeling of empowerment and autonomy. Without it, we can quickly feel trapped. In Pink’s Drive, he demonstrates that much of our society’s structure has fallen behind […]
Puzzle It Out!
Over the Christmas holiday, I first began learning about Deci’s work into intrinsic motivation. It is fascinating. The inspiration for his research came from Harlow, who discovered in 1949 that monkeys found it gratifying to solve puzzles. They did so, not for survival or reward/punishment, but because they seemed to have a third drive, which […]
Resolutions, Affirmations, and Stories
The school year gives us many chances to reset. Of course, we can reset at any time but, just like making a new year’s resolution, there is something satisfying about starting the new term fresh and with clear intentions. Research by Amy Cuddy from Harvard Business School suggests that we have 7 seconds to make […]
Lighting Small Fires in the Darkness
After a much needed Christmas break, it is time to return to school. Time to switch back on the productive side of my brain after lots of food, drink and valuable family time. It feels daunting – there is so much to do, deadlines already looming and a mountain of tasks on the to-do list. […]