Motivation
Sorry this has taken longer than I anticipated but University again took precedent.
Today I am looking at the effects of motivation. There are many theories and each one has its merits and downfalls. Many instructors and participants have for a fair few years now have questioned why the attrition in BJJ at times is so high. I believe motivation could be a factor. The theory I am looking at today is ‘Competence Motivation’
Competence Motivation is a thought first brought to light by Harter (1982). Motivation will increase with competence (Mastery). Basically as you progress within BJJ (promotion) your motivation will in turn increase. If however over time you’re unable to increase competence at BJJ your motivation dwindles and you’re more likely to stop partaking. If you achieve mastery you are able to transfer that motivation to another task (sport). This could be applied to people who cross train, BJJ/Judo, BJJ/Muay Thai etc, etc.
Simply put those who start BJJ and see a steady increase of ability maintain motivation and BJJ becomes a journey of learning for a prolonged period of time. However, if the participant ‘feels’ they are not learning and mastering a task (BJJ) they lose motivation and stop.
I know of instructors who take very little notice of the students who leave after a month or so, and in all honesty there is always going to be a fall out. However those who start and partake for a year or two may experience within themselves a plateau of ability. Even if that plateau isn’t occurring they themselves may feel it is, and through lack of mastery they lose motivation.
Motivation it seems is a double edged sword and not simply a mental skill that everyone can posses….
Maybe, just maybe some ego stroking is required to keep White, Blue and maybe even Purple belts motivated to master BJJ.
Until next time.
Reference:
Harter, S. (1982), ‘The Perceived Competence Scale for Children’, Child Development, Vol. 53, pp. 87-97.