Motivation is closely linked to our sense of control. Research shows that when people feel they can make choices and assert themselves, they activate the brain pathways related to motivation. This idea is clearly seen in how the Marine Corps has changed its basic training to encourage self-motivation among recruits.
About 15 years ago, the Marine Corps noticed a problem: many recruits lacked self-motivation skills when they started boot camp. Unlike other military branches, Marines often need to act quickly and independently in critical situations. However, many recruits had little experience in taking initiative or working in teams, which are key for developing self-motivation.
Charles Krulak, a former Commandant of the Marine Corps, realized that the best Marines have an internal locus of control. This means they believe they can shape their own futures rather than being controlled by outside forces. To boost self-motivation, Krulak revamped boot camp to emphasize decision-making and self-assertion instead of just following orders.
At the end of boot camp, recruits face a tough 56-hour obstacle course called “the crucible.” This test includes tasks that require recruits to think for themselves and sometimes ignore direct orders to succeed. For example, in one obstacle, Sergeant Timmerman’s Tank, recruits must navigate a sand pit while wearing gas masks, making it hard to hear commands. The only way to succeed is for recruits to self-organize and take initiative, showing that self-motivation often comes from the need to assert control in difficult situations.
The Marine Corps’ strategy highlights an important insight: when people feel the need to take control and assert themselves, they develop self-motivation. This principle applies beyond military training to various life situations. For instance, the urge to take an exit during a traffic jam reflects a desire for control, which is a key source of motivation.
Interestingly, the idea of self-motivation is also seen in nursing homes. Research shows that residents who actively seek to break the rules and assert their independence tend to thrive. In a study in Santa Fe, seniors who traded their meal trays to make their own meals lived longer and healthier lives. One resident even traded away his chocolate cake to maintain control over his dining experience.
This behavior shows that people who actively find ways to assert control over their lives—whether by making their own meal choices or engaging with the community—are more likely to stay motivated and involved. Those who embrace their subversive instincts often exercise more, maintain friendships, and participate in social activities.
The lessons from both the Marine Corps and nursing homes highlight the importance of fostering a sense of control to boost self-motivation. Encouraging people—whether recruits or seniors—to assert themselves and make choices can lead to significant improvements in their motivation and overall well-being. By nurturing this subversive instinct, we can empower ourselves and others to take charge of our lives and achieve greater fulfillment.
Reflect on a time when you felt highly motivated. Write a journal entry about what factors contributed to this motivation and how a sense of control played a role. Consider how you can apply these insights to your current academic and personal life.
Participate in a group discussion where each member shares their thoughts on how control influences motivation. Discuss examples from the Marine Corps and nursing homes, and explore how these concepts can be applied in a university setting.
Analyze a case study on the Marine Corps’ approach to fostering self-motivation. Identify key strategies used to enhance recruits’ sense of control and discuss how these strategies could be adapted for educational environments.
Engage in a role-playing exercise where you simulate a scenario similar to the Marine Corps’ crucible. Work in teams to solve problems that require initiative and decision-making, reflecting on how these activities enhance self-motivation.
Conduct a research project on self-motivation in various contexts, such as education, sports, or the workplace. Present your findings on how a sense of control impacts motivation and propose strategies to enhance self-motivation in these areas.
Motivation – The psychological process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. – Example sentence: Understanding the underlying factors of motivation can help psychologists develop strategies to enhance student performance.
Control – The ability to influence or direct one’s own behavior or the course of events. – Example sentence: Developing a sense of control over one’s environment is crucial for reducing stress and improving mental health.
Self-assertion – The confident and forceful expression or promotion of oneself, one’s views, or one’s desires. – Example sentence: Self-assertion is an important skill in character education, enabling students to express their needs and opinions respectfully.
Initiative – The ability to assess and initiate things independently, often leading to proactive behavior. – Example sentence: Encouraging initiative in students fosters a sense of responsibility and leadership.
Decision-making – The cognitive process of selecting a course of action from among multiple alternatives. – Example sentence: Effective decision-making is a critical component of psychological resilience and personal development.
Independence – The state of being self-reliant and free from outside control. – Example sentence: Promoting independence in young adults is a key goal of character education programs.
Well-being – A state characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity, often considered in psychological terms as life satisfaction. – Example sentence: Psychological well-being is significantly influenced by factors such as social support and personal autonomy.
Empowerment – The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights. – Example sentence: Empowerment in educational settings can lead to increased student engagement and achievement.
Subversive – Seeking or intended to subvert an established system or institution, often used in the context of challenging societal norms. – Example sentence: Subversive thinking in psychology can lead to innovative approaches to understanding human behavior.
Choices – The act of selecting between two or more possibilities, often reflecting personal preferences and values. – Example sentence: The ability to make informed choices is a fundamental aspect of personal autonomy and psychological development.
