How to Motivate Young People

Unlocking the secrets of adolescent motivation.

Have you ever felt like you’re speaking a different language when trying to motivate the young people in your life? I recently sat down with psychology professor David Yeager, and his insights are about to revolutionize the way you approach adolescent development.

You can listen to his podcast episode on Remarkable People here.

As a parent of four, I found his findings both enlightening and personally relevant! :-)

Speaking of remarkable things, my newest book Think Remarkable is now available. It dives deeper into topics like this one, offering insights on how to stand out in both your personal and professional life. You can purchase it here!

Using the "Incompetence Model" is Old News

Spoiler alert: our youth are not inherently shortsighted or impulsive. Yeager’s book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People blows the lid off conventional wisdom about teenagers. In fact, Yeager explains that young people are laser-focused on something much more powerful—social status and respect.

Practicing the "Mentor Mindset"

Yeager has created the concept of the “mentor mindset”, which combines high standards with high support. This creates an environment where young people can thrive because this approach respects their need for autonomy while providing the guidance they crave.

By validating their perspectives and asking questions rather than giving directives, mentors can foster a sense of responsibility and independence in young people.

Understanding the 10-25 Age Range is Crucial

In my interview with David, I learned that the 10-25 age range is marked by significant brain changes and social reorientation. During this period, the brain becomes highly sensitive to social rewards and punishments, which ties back into the concept that they are focused on social status and respect.

Tailoring our approach to these unique developmental needs can more effectively motivate and guide young people!

Nagging Doesn't Work

Nagging can actually shut down the brain regions responsible for planning and social cognition. Instead, Yeager advocates for collaborative problem-solving and respectful communication, which are more effective in engaging young people and fostering positive behavior.

Creating a "Culture of Growth" is Essential

It is important to create a “culture of growth” in schools, workplaces, and families. This involves adopting a mentor mindset that aligns behavior with the long-term best interests of young people.

A past guest on my podcast, Mary Murphy, discusses the concept of a culture of growth. She goes in-depth on this topic in our interview. You can listen here.

Key characteristics of a growth culture include:

• Deeper Learning: Encouraging ongoing education and skill development.

• Collaboration: Promoting teamwork and the sharing of ideas.

• Innovation: Fostering an environment where new ideas are welcomed and explored.

• Trust and Inclusion: Building a safe space for taking risks and including diverse perspectives.

• Support for All: Believing that everyone can succeed with the right support and resources.

  

Conclusion

David Yeager’s groundbreaking research reveals that motivating young people isn’t about combating impulsivity, but about understanding their focus on social status and respect.

By adopting a “mentor mindset” that combines high standards with high support, we can create a culture of growth that resonates with youth aged 10-25, fostering their development more effectively than traditional approaches.

Mahalo!

Guy