Definition Essay

Definition Essay

Richard Walden

Essentials of College Writing

February 28, 2011

MOTIVATION

Motivation is defined in many ways; one way is the act of giving somebody a reason or incentive to do something. Another is a reason for doing something or behaving in a particular manner. As a child, we were offered things such as candy, toys, or treats as a reward to influence the effort we put in the task or chore given to us. If I were to use my kids as an example, my older daughter would be offered money as a reward for cleaning the house and washing the dishes instead of putting them in the dishwasher. Where my younger kids would be offered some of the same things I was when I was their age as a motivational factor; candy, toys or treats. Why do we do this or shall I say what is the driving force that makes parents use these techniques as a guide to raising their kids. Well for one, I like to applaud my wife’s younger kids if they don’t wet the bed with a high five. Whereas, if they eat everything on their plate, I’ll let them have a treat like ice cream, cake or cookies. It’s amazing to see the response you get from kids of all ages. A high five for not wetting the bed goes a long way to a 3, 4, or 5 year old, whereas an older kid, like a teenager, that same treatment definitely wouldn’t work. Therefore we have to use different motivational tactics to not only work to our advantage, but to also teach our children at the same time. I’m sure all parents have used some sort of technique from potty training to learning how to walk.

As for the parents, we also have our motivational factors that move us too. For one, our jobs are a great motivational factor. Without them we wouldn’t be able to support our families and give them some of the things that we didn’t have growing up. So as boring as some of our jobs are, what motivational tactics do we use? Besides having to drag yourself out of the bed at five in the morning and not getting home until five...