Gabi Pontell's Motivation

This week's tech topic is Motivation. To stay motivated, it is important to set goals and make the most out of the time we have. If we choose to let days pass without working toward our goals, it is wasting useful time that could be spent actively in order to accomplish the goals we have set. There are two types of motivators that we use to stay motivated, External and Internal motivators. In addition, some students use motivators regarding Consequences or Rewards.

External Motivators:
External motivators come from an outside source that you do not have control over such as grades, family approval, money, or tangible awards.

Internal Motivators:
Internal Motivators come from within yourself that you control such as feeling accomplished, learning the material just for the sake of learning, satisfaction, and pride.

Consequences:
Consequences are negative and undesirable outcomes which can be used in a positive way to avoid the circumstances associated with the consequences.

Rewards:
Rewards can be used to achieve a positive result that is meaningful or desirable because it prompts yourself to reach your goals.


Personally, I have learned that I use both external and internal motivators, as well as consequences often. My external motivators revolve around getting good grades and family approval. Originally from a place where most do not graduate high school, much less go to college, the fact that I am given the chance to do so is my primary source of motivation. Seeing as my family is giving me this opportunity, it is important to me that I am successful in my classes. Not only do I strive to do well in my classes for my family, but for myself as well. The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction due to receiving good grades is my internal motivator. As for consequences, I am aware of the negative effects of not doing my work or trying my hardest. Especially in classes that I am uninterested in, it is difficult to stay motivated, but I am well aware of the consequences. If I were to fail, I would not feel accomplished because I didn't reach my goal of achieving good grades.


The strategy I used this week was Academic Fears.















This strategy explored my academic fears, the worst outcome, the best outcome, and what I needed to do in order to make the best of it. The exercise showed me that even if I were to fail an exam, there is a possibility that I can still do well by evaluating the actions that need to be done. I am glad I chose this strategy because this week I have a lot of tests, projects and essays, and it shows me that even if I were to fail, I have other options.