Motivation
Warm up
1. What are some common reasons people lose motivation, especially
when they need to get things done?
○ How do you personally react when you lack motivation?
2. Do you think setting smaller, more manageable goals can help
increase motivation? Why or why not?
○ Have you ever tried breaking a big task into smaller parts? How did it
work for you?
3. What role does discipline play in staying motivated, especially when
you don’t feel like doing something?
○ Can you think of an example where discipline helped you
accomplish something?
4. How does procrastination affect motivation, and what strategies can
help overcome it?
○ What are your personal strategies for avoiding procrastination?
5. Is it possible to stay motivated for a long-term goal without getting
discouraged? What strategies can help?
○ How do you handle setbacks when working on a long-term project?
6. How important is self-care (like getting enough sleep, exercise, etc.)
for staying motivated?
○ Do you notice a difference in your motivation levels when you
neglect self-care?
7. Many people rely on deadlines or pressure to feel motivated. Do you
think this is an effective method, or can it lead to stress and burnout?
○ Do you work better under pressure, or do you prefer to avoid it?
Vocabulary
1. Loom – To be about to happen (especially something negative or
overwhelming).
2. Fickle – Changing frequently, especially in regards to one's loyalties,
interests, or affections.
3. Impetus – A force or stimulus that causes something to happen or
encourages greater action.
4. Intrinsic – Belonging naturally; essential. Refers to something that is
inherent or fundamental.
5. Extrinsic – Not part of the essential nature of something; coming
from the outside.
6. New Year's resolution – A promise or goal people make at the
beginning of a new year to improve themselves or their life.
7. Muddy the water – To make a situation more confusing or less clear.
8. Tedious – Boring and repetitive, causing fatigue or lack of interest.
9. Daunting – Intimidating or overwhelming, often causing fear or
discouragement.
10. Boost – To improve or increase something.
11. For the long haul – For an extended period of time; with
long-term commitment or endurance.
Use the words or expressions below to fill in the gaps in the
sentences:
loom, fickle, impetus, intrinsic, extrinsic, New Year's resolution,
muddy the water, tedious, daunting, boost, for the long haul
1. The project is so __________ that I’m losing motivation to keep
working on it.
2. She made a __________ to exercise more regularly and eat healthier
this year.
3. The deadline for the report is __________ closer, and we need to
hurry.
4. His __________ personality makes it hard to know if he’s truly
committed to anything.
5. The company offered bonuses as an __________ incentive to boost
employee productivity.
loom, fickle, impetus, intrinsic, extrinsic, New Year's resolution,
muddy the water, tedious, daunting, boost, for the long haul
6. Don’t __________ by adding unnecessary details to the
conversation.
7. It’s going to be a __________ task to organize the entire event by
myself.
8. I want to __________ my confidence before the big presentation
tomorrow.
9. She’s in this relationship __________, so she’s willing to work
through the challenges.
10. Curiosity is often an __________ motivator for learning, as it
comes from within.
11. The __________ for the new policy was to reduce costs and
improve efficiency across the board.
Video
https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-to-get-motivated-even-when-you-don-t-feel-like-it
Discussion
Can external rewards (such as money or recognition) be effective
motivators, or do intrinsic motivations work better in the long run?
○ Can you give an example of a situation where one type of motivation
worked better than the other for you?
How can changing your environment or routine help boost motivation
when you're feeling stuck? (Asking a friend to join, listening to your
favourite music)
○ Have you ever tried this approach? How did it affect your
productivity?
