Motivation Through Choice
There will be 2 parts to this assignment. (10 pts each) This assignment focuses on taking the content and making sure you can make an application to your current situation (coaching, teaching or administration) or soon to be future coaching position.
1. Motivation: I will often say to my athletes if I promised to give you a million dollars if you will be on time or give great effort or register for classes, etc, would you be more motivated to complete the task. This is not meant to motivate extrinsicly, but rather to get them to understand motivation is about “CHOICE”. What concepts in the chapter validates the concept of “Choice” for Motivation to occur?
2. Self-Determination Theory: After watching the videos above (Honor God and Cool Runnings), please describe each character in the videos and determine where they are on the continuum . Please be specific on why you see them at that place and what characteristics make it clear on their placement. Please discuss what can be done to change their place on the continuum.
APA
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Motivation Through Choice
Power of Choice
Choice and Commitment. Athletes must recognize that their actions are intentional and controlled. According to the chapter, intrinsic motivation occurs when individuals choose behaviors that align with values and goals. Choice is essential because it gives athletes ownership over their performance and learning. When athletes feel forced, motivation becomes extrinsic and unsustainable. For example, choosing to give effort reflects commitment, while being pushed externally limits long-term drive. Autonomy is also a central concept that validates choice in motivation. Autonomy allows individuals to feel empowered, making their motivation authentic and personally meaningful. Moreover, choice creates responsibility, as athletes understand that outcomes depend on decisions they make. This empowers them to pursue goals with energy and consistency. By emphasizing that motivation stems from choosing effort, coaches help athletes see success as self-directed.
Self-Determination Theory and Characters
The video Chariots of Fire highlights Eric Liddell, who demonstrates intrinsic motivation through faith and personal purpose. He runs to honor God, showing identified regulation aligned with his values. His placement is closer to intrinsic motivation because his effort reflects internal passion. In Cool Runnings, Derice Bannock displays identified regulation as well. He chooses bobsledding to achieve excellence and prove himself. His focus on goals demonstrates controlled but purposeful motivation. Sanka Coffie, however, begins with amotivation, showing little interest and resisting effort. He only shifts along the continuum when he gains competence and belonging within the team. Yul Brenner demonstrates introjected regulation, motivated by pride and desire to escape his environment. Junior Bevil transitions from external regulation, influenced by family expectations, toward identified regulation as he embraces his choice to compete. These placements highlight how athletes move when given support, autonomy, and connection. Coaches can help them progress by fostering competence, building autonomy, and creating relatedness. Encouragement, trust, and consistent feedback guide athletes from external to intrinsic motivation. Therefore, these films illustrate that with supportive coaching, athletes can shift motivation toward authentic and self-directed commitment.
