motivation

1. Motivation

2. Motivation Direction and intensity of effort (Sage, 1977) Coach’s job = 50-90% motivation Manipulation Undermotivation OR overmotivation = poor performance 2 Basic Types Intrinsic Extrinsic

3. What Motivates You? In Life? In Sport? As a coach?

4. Motivational Patterns Learned Helplessness Fear of Failure Fear of Success Perfectionist Underachiever

5. Learned Helplessness Feelings of helplessness Characteristics: Lack of effort, low intensity Success and failure attributed to external factors Feels outcome is beyond their control Pattern learned early on – can be unlearned

6. Learned Helplessness, cont. Strategies Redefine success Chart performance and improvement Develop short-term goals Arrange for athlete to experience success daily Help athlete feel they have earned success

7. Fear of Failure Primary goal is to avoid failure (negatively motivated) Fear = overanxiousness = poor performance Caused by: Conditional love Inappropriate use of rewards Self-worth comes from winning/losing Never having failed Characteristics: Excuses for poor performance Worrying what others will think about performance Preoccupation with opponents’ record or ranking Indecisive about strategy Perceives to have no control Overanxiousness Lack of concentration

8. Fear of Failure, cont. Strategies Separate the athlete’s identity from performance Encourage athletes to learn from a loss Success = effort x ability x preparation x will Employ goal setting techniques that emphasize process and personal goals

9. Fear of Success Preoccupation with perceived negative aspects of winning Characteristics: Avoids competition Lets up at end of race Causes: Dealing with unrealistic expectations Competition constantly gunning for you Responsibility of being a role model Jealous teammates

10. Fear of Success, cont. Strategies Help athletes adhere to personal goals Anticipate and prepare for being #1 Expand athlete’s comfort zone Encourage athlete to swim his/her race Differentiate between athlete’s “identity” and success

11. Perfectionist Characteristics: Self-image equated with performance Cannot enjoy success and is never satisfied with performance Works harder, longer, more intense = frustration, guilt, fatigue Strategies: Develop a positive association with mental/physical rest Encourage athlete to take time to enjoy success Encourage verbal communication Dwell on pleasure of process Enjoy process of achieving goals Help athletes to avoid overworking at their sport

12. Under-Achiever Usually has great talent, without hard work and self-discipline Greatest competition = own natural talent Dwells on past success, believes future will hold more success Will fail before realizing potential due to poor work habits Strategies: Obtain a verbal commitment from athlete to change Educate athletes about the effort-success ratio Expand time orientation to include past, present, future Stress competition against him/herself

13. Learned Effectiveness Assumes control Makes no excuses, lays no blame Accepts responsibility for minor losses Sees weaknesses as challenges Strong emotion of pride Confidence based on preparation Sets performance, process, and personal goals Determines success by internal factors Acknowledges significance of past, present, and future Pride, persistence, patience

14. 3 Primary Motivation Killers Perfectionism Expectations Comparisons

15. How NOT to Motivate Athletes Fear Exercise for punishment The pregame pep talk Cut ‘em down to build ‘em up Our goal is to win Treating team players inconsistently and unfairly If they don’t complain, they’re happy What do athletes know, anyway? The postgame rampage The Napoleon complex

16. “Generic” Motivation Strategies Communicating effectively Teaching skills Rewards Dwelling on strengths Appearing organized and in control Occasional times for fun and humor Developing mutual respect Changing the environment

17. “Generic” Motivation Strategies Know when to take a break / day off Developing leadership skills among players Support through good and bad Team rules – fair and consistent Positive imaging Identifying barriers and developing a step-by-step plan to overcome Challenge Music

18. 5 Step Approach Identify performance goals and cues What and How Focus on strengths and talent Within control Stress effort-conscious performances Emphasize self-improvement Emphasize enjoyment and fun

19. Athletes are much more likely to become what you are than what you want them to be.