MOTIVATION DURING COVID

Here we are, over one year into the pandemic and still in lockdown (in Toronto, anyways). What started off as 2 weeks to flatten the curve has turned into a rollercoaster of a year we were never ready for. At the beginning of the pandemic, motivation was quite high- the sudden change of pace and scenery for some people gave them a little pep in their step. Kids were kind of excited to be doing their schoolwork and sports online because it was something different and- we thought- something temporary. Fast forward 6 months and then 12 months and motivation seems to be an all-time low for many people- especially kids in school and in their sport.

I have had so many coaches and parents reach out to me to ask- HOW DO I MOTIVATE THEM TO WORK HARD AT HOME?? I get it. You’re watching the joy and the determination they once had start to dwindle and you’re worried they will fall behind or pick up bad habits. And while there are some things we can do to help our kids’ motivation during COVID, I want to first start by saying… DON’T PANIC. This too shall pass. I know that seems like an aggravating response- but it is true. Now, having said that, I want to share some tips that can help you '“push” your child without being “pushy”- a delicate line parents must learn to tow when it comes to their kids and achievement.

Researchers are clear about what motivates people. Edward Deci and Richard Ryan are the researchers behind the most widely accepted theory on motivation, Self-Determination Theory (SDT). From SDT we know that there are three primary forces (termed “basic psychological needs”) which drive human motivation: 1) autonomy, 2) competence), and 3) relatedness.

When all three of these needs are supported and fostered, high quality forms of motivation and engagement are found. It is in these types of environments where individual performance, persistence, and creativity are enhanced.

So, how do you motivate student-athletes during COVID?

1. Have them create a vision/goal for what they can achieve during quarantine.

A vision or goal establishes a reference point for the athlete to weigh their decisions against. Once the athlete knows where he/she wants to go (and is excited about it), they are more likely to be open to having a game plan and sticking to it.

2. Empower them to make their sport or school what they want it to be.

This strategy builds upon the need for autonomy. When each individual is given a responsibility to make the team better, or bring effort to a class for the benefit for the entire class, he or she takes ownership. As an additional benefit, this reinforces initiative, creativity, and problem solving.

Most importantly, parents must listen to their athletes’ perspectives, input, and ideas. Obviously, not all input will be useful but it important that they feel heard.

So, ask them- does dreading school or practice and feeling frustrated and bored make you happy? Is it something you want to feel every day? What might be some other way you could make it a little better for yourself? You have that power. Maybe you can’t change everything BUT you can shake things up a bit for yourself.

3. Ensure They are Set Up for Success 

This strategy builds upon the need for competence.

I like to use a comparison to a business setting to explain this point. The best leaders understand that their main responsibility is to make their team successful. A part of this is ensuring individuals have what they need in order to succeed. Do individuals have all the skills, expertise, and abilities they need to be their best? What additional training would help them up their game? Do they need professional development, mentoring, or coaching? Do team members have all the resources they need to be successful? This would include supplies, materials, software, and even personnel? Sometimes this may mean removing obstacles, like competing responsibilities or dysfunctional red tape.

So- how do we apply this to parents? Well, make sure their work/practice space is THEIRS- have them help you make it a cool place to work/practice that feels different than it’s original use (I.e is it just the breakfast table with a computer on top or does it actually feel like his/her workspace?). Make it consistent until they need a change. Make sure that there are MINIMAL distractions, if possible. Talk to them about not having their phones/tablets on them during class (I know this is a scary concept!!!).

Provide encouragement and support as you reinforce the skills, abilities, and effort they put in in order to succeed- no matter how small.

4. Explain How Each Person Plays a Vital Role in Achieving Overall Success of a Team or a Class.

This strategy builds upon the need for relatedness. Everyone wants to know that they matter, that they make a difference, that they are valued. How does the friendliness of your child affect the classroom culture (even if online)? Connect the dots. Show them how their attitude and effort helps to create a better learning environment for everyone. Show them why they matter.