How to stay motivated.

*Introduction*

In the realm of human psychology and motivation, an illuminating study conducted in 1998 at Columbia University under the guidance of Professor Claudia M Mueller sheds light on the intricate relationship between locus of control and sustained motivation. This study, involving a group of fifth-grade students and a series of challenging puzzles, provides valuable insights into the factors that drive motivation and how individuals perceive their agency in influencing outcomes.

**The Study and Its Findings**

The study began by presenting a group of fifth-grade students with challenging puzzles, followed by feedback that indicated their superior performance compared to their peers. Subsequently, the students were divided into two groups, each receiving different types of feedback. One group was informed that their success was attributed to innate intelligence, while the other group was informed that their success was a result of diligent effort and hard work.

The subsequent phase of the study involved presenting the students with puzzles of varying difficulty levels: easy, moderate, and highly challenging. The outcomes of this phase were revealing. Students informed that their success was due to innate intelligence exhibited a proclivity for easier puzzles, demonstrating reduced interest in the highly challenging ones. This group also exhibited a lower level of overall engagement and invested less time in puzzle-solving. Strikingly, they reported diminished enjoyment following the experiment.

Conversely, students who were informed that their success was a product of dedicated effort displayed a strong inclination to tackle the more demanding puzzles. Their engagement in puzzle-solving was significantly higher, and they invested substantially more time in the process. Importantly, this group expressed a higher level of enjoyment after the experiment.

**Locus of Control and Motivation**

The study's findings are intricately linked to the concept of locus of control, which centers on an individual's perception of the degree to which they can influence the outcomes of their life. Students informed of their success being tied to innate intelligence showcased an external locus of control, attributing their achievements to factors beyond their control. In contrast, those informed of their success resulting from hard work embraced an internal locus of control, acknowledging their agency in achieving positive outcomes.

Repeated investigations into the locus of control concept consistently underscore the significance of an internal locus of control in sustaining motivation. The internal locus of control fosters a belief in one's capacity to influence outcomes, thereby promoting sustained motivation. This phenomenon was also observed in real-world scenarios, such as managing a door-to-door sales team. The pivotal question posed to new sales team members in response to their initial setbacks illuminated their locus of control orientation. Those attributing their lack of success to external factors revealed a disposition less likely to persevere in the face of challenges, whereas those assuming personal responsibility exhibited higher resilience.

**Cultivating an Internal Locus of Control**

Cultivating an internal locus of control involves actively resolving challenges and subsequently acknowledging the role of one's actions in achieving positive results. For instance, addressing insomnia could involve practices like morning sunlight exposure, exclusive bed usage for sleep, and the application of blue light filters on devices. Acknowledging the improvement that follows reinforces the perception of personal agency, nurturing the internal locus of control. This orientation is pivotal to maintaining unwavering motivation.

**The Role of Skillshare**

Furthermore, platforms like Skillshare play a significant role in fostering personal growth and learning. Skillshare offers a diverse array of courses, providing an opportunity for individuals to refine their attention span and enhance their productivity. This endeavor aligns seamlessly with the pursuit of cultivating an internal locus of control and, by extension, fostering enhanced motivation.

*Conclusion*

The 1998 Columbia University study by Professor Claudia M Mueller serves as a timeless reminder of the profound impact of locus of control on motivation. The study's insights underscore the importance of nurturing an internal locus of control, where individuals perceive their actions as influential factors in their lives. This mindset, as demonstrated by the study's findings and real-world experiences, is key to sustaining motivation in the face of challenges and uncertainties. By actively engaging in problem-solving and acknowledging personal agency, individuals can unlock a heightened sense of motivation that propels them towards success.