Drive for Self-determination
Lovecky (1992) described a type of motivation characterized by a need for self-determination along with inner strength and a strong drive to be as capable as possible (she coined the term "entelechy" for this type of motivation). She described gifted children motivated by this drive for self-determination as highly motivated, single-minded in pursuit of goals and strong-willed. Because they feel they are helping to shape the future, they sometimes feel a sense of destiny and suspect that their actions have greater consequences than others know.
According to Lovecky, gifted adults with this type of motivation are involved in making their own destinies, believing in themselves, and persisting despite obstacles. Students motivated by a drive for self-determination often organize others in service to an important cause or take a firm stance for what they believe is right despite negative consequences. Further, they may develop unexpected friendships as they recruit a range of people to help them reach their goals.
As Parents
You can best support your child who has a drive for self-determination through your availability for advice and emotional support. The following questions are adapted from Lovecky’s article:
Investigate Further
According to Lovecky, gifted adults with this type of motivation are involved in making their own destinies, believing in themselves, and persisting despite obstacles. Students motivated by a drive for self-determination often organize others in service to an important cause or take a firm stance for what they believe is right despite negative consequences. Further, they may develop unexpected friendships as they recruit a range of people to help them reach their goals.
As Parents
You can best support your child who has a drive for self-determination through your availability for advice and emotional support. The following questions are adapted from Lovecky’s article:
- Do I provide my child with insights into the nature of her motivation, the impact of the drive to reach goals, and how to deal with those who respond to her personality in a negative way?
- Do I help my child develop a balanced view of himself rather than accepting either the over-adulation of his admirers or the overly negative views of those whom he makes uncomfortable?
- Do I help my child avoid becoming trapped in negative interactions with others or ecoming so committed to a goal that other responsibilities in her life are forgone?
- Do I help him learn to listen to others and perceive an issue from the perspectives of others?
- Do I help her develop the skills of empathy, problem-solving, and negotiation rather than taking an uncompromising position?
- Do I help him realize that he needs to learn to say “no” because when accepted as a leader some people may start to expect too much?
Investigate Further
While some people will respond supportively and positively to the energy and sense of purpose these students have, their confidence and spirited drive may be threatening to others who lack confidence. Also, they sometimes ignore their own needs as they become focused on their cause, the needs of others, and the level of responsibility they accept. The link above connects you to Lovecky's (1990) article about self-determination. Lovecky uses this article to describe the drive for self-determination, which she refers to as entelechy, and to provide suggestions for parents to support students with this drive.
The video in the link above provides an example of the remarkable accomplishments possible when students are determined to create positive
changes. Kiran Bir Sethi shares how the drive for self-determination, which she calls the "I Can Bug," can look when this source of motivation is systematically put into practice.
Consider sharing this video with your child who is motivated by the drive to make a difference. Talk about the ways education can help her realize her desire to make worthwhile changes.
changes. Kiran Bir Sethi shares how the drive for self-determination, which she calls the "I Can Bug," can look when this source of motivation is systematically put into practice.
Consider sharing this video with your child who is motivated by the drive to make a difference. Talk about the ways education can help her realize her desire to make worthwhile changes.
Reference
Lovecky, D. (1992). Exploring social and emotional aspects of giftedness in children. Roeper Review. 15(1), 18-25.
Sethi, K. (2009). Kiran Sethi: Kids, take charge. Retrieved from Ted Talks online Website: http://www.ted.com/talks/kiran_bir_sethi_teaches_kids_to_take_charge.html
Sethi, K. (2009). Kiran Sethi: Kids, take charge. Retrieved from Ted Talks online Website: http://www.ted.com/talks/kiran_bir_sethi_teaches_kids_to_take_charge.html