There's something about taking the path of least resistance that makes a lot of sense. But at the same time, we have to figure out which things in life are worth struggling through.
Angela DuckworthRead
There's this really awesome theory of human motivation - that human beings all want three things. One is to be competent, one is to belong, and one is be free, as in to have choice: to not be told what to do but to choose what to do.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human motivation is driven by the desire for competence, belonging, and freedom of choice.
Angela Duckworth highlights a compelling theory of human motivation, suggesting that individuals are primarily motivated by three core desires: the need to feel competent in their abilities, the yearning for social connections and belonging to a community, and the intrinsic desire for freedom, which emphasizes the importance of making choices rather than following orders. This framework illustrates the fundamental aspects that encourage people to engage, grow, and thrive in various aspects of life.
Themes
MotivationCompetenceBelongingFreedomChoice
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to inspire students about their future careers.
More from Angela Duckworth
All quotes →Negative feelings are typical of learning, and you shouldn't feel like you're stupid when you're frustrated doing something. You might say to yourself, 'I can't do this,' but you should say, 'That's great.' That means you really have the potential to learn something there.
Angela DuckworthRead
I don't think that every child in America is going to necessarily aspire to, you know, a four-year degree from a liberal arts college or a certain kind of life. I think that people should learn to be excellent in the thing that they choose to do.
Angela DuckworthRead
As our knees and hips and eyesight deteriorate, we become more dependable, less impulsive, kinder, and less moody. Psychologists call this the maturity principle. My own life experience fits this principle to a T.
Angela DuckworthRead
I think the questions on the grit scale about not letting setbacks disappoint you, finishing what you begin, doing things with focus, I think that those are things I would aspire to or hope for for all our children.
Angela DuckworthRead
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