When we are interested in an activity it compels us to work harder. When we are influenced by others to pursue an activity we work hard as well but is the motivation the same? Psychologists Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan of the University of Rochester argue that you gain motivation when feel in control of a situation. In a study in 2006, these psychologists studied subjects given an opportunity to be self directed or controlled. The psychologists found individuals who selected an activity persisted longer than the ones who were given no choice or pressured to do an activity. Clearly acting under pressure is more stressful and less successful than pursuing an activity that you choose which would be exciting!

What does this all mean for parents?

As parents we can help our children and teens choose an activity that is based on our core values. When we assign values to a subject in school, a student’s willingness to work harder is greater. Finding ways to apply a school subject, to a student’s life can create a greater learning experience. In 2009 a University of Virginia psychologist Christopher S. Hulleman conducted a study with high school students who wrote about how a subject in school related to their lives. Another group in the study merely summarized what they hard learned in their class.

Biology vs. Environment

Recently an interesting comparison was made. At an extracurricular class, the instructor said the following. “Someone can be born with a very muscular body, but if they don’t work hard to develop it, they will not succeed. Working hard can indeed be more powerful than biology!” This same concept applies to the mind. As you work hard, skills improve.

Carol S. Dweck, a psychologist at Stanford University studied that those who believe they only have talents in certain areas will give up more often when faced with a new challenge, because they believe it exceeds their ability. This is why beginning with a positive belief system can be so powerful. There is a direct correlation between belief and competence.


“Believing that effort fosters excellence can inspire you to keep learning”. -Scientific American Mind