Material Motivations

Children need motivation. They mostly lack the internal inspiration to move forward and excel in whatever it is that is set out in front of them.

What a nuisance.

Their young brains lack the vision and the ability to self-motivate – so we have to give the pep-talks, boost their morales and places images into their minds.

When we tell them about the sense of joy that comes from achievement, self-actualisation and the like, no bells tend to ring. So we point out the flashy red Ferrari that just zoomed by, the huge bungalow with the swimming pool and the many European holidays they get to jet away to - if they just aim high, work hard and strive for success.

Suddenly you spot your own reflection in the mirror and realise, “Hey! Wait a minute. I don’t drive a sports car (not to even mention a Ferrari). We don’t stay in a massive mansion. And we’ve also never gone to Europe!”

At this moment in time, the kids have yet to point this out. But if we keep using these same lines on them, one of them is bound to call this out. And it I think we won’t have to wait long.