A Different Perspective on Motivation

Jared Cooney Horvath is a globally recognized Science of Learning expert committed to helping teachers, students and parents achieve better outcomes through applied brain and behavioral science.

Motivation Madness

It’s no secret that Western culture is obsessed with motivation.

In fact, the term ‘Motivational Quotes’ is searched over 800,000 times in Google each month.

Generally speaking, it is assumed that success, positive feelings and motivation are highly correlated.

“If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything!”

These words embody a commonly shared piece of folk wisdom in North America – prevalent both in-and-outside of the classroom.

But how exclusive is this sentiment?

Is the association between success and motivation an immutable 'one-way street' for humans … or is it just a cultural phenomenon?

In other words, are there instances when failure can boost motivation?

In my latest From Theory to Practice Video, I look at a classic piece of research that can help us answer that question:

Divergent Consequences of Success and Failure in Japan and North America (Steven J. Heine et al, 2001)

Here are some of the questions I tackle in this installment:

Give it a watch, and let me know what you think in the YT comments section.

And, as always, if you find this video valuable, interesting and/or entertaining, you can support us by liking, sharing and subscribing to our YouTube channel ;)

Regards,