Figuring it out (3A)

The quote, "There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so" -Shakespeare.  This quote can mean so many things and you can really go into depth if you really think about it.  In my opinion, I think this quote means, nothing can be too hard or too easy unless you think it is.  Sometimes people judge things way too quickly and don't even think one second about it.  It all depends on what YOU think of the situations you are in.  If your mind is set on something is bad, then it might stay that way, just like if you think it is good, then your mind will think that it's good.

Some people use "Extrinsic Motivation"

• The motivation that occurs when engaging or performing any activity.  Something that people use to be rewarded, or not be accused/punished.

Examples:

•  Doing well on a test/quiz in order to receive a good grade in the class.
• Doing your chores, (if you have any) to avoid getting yelled at by your parents.
• Participating on a cheerleading team, (or any sport) to earn trophies or medals.

These are examples of Extrinsic Motivation, where you want to avoid the bad things, and motivated to be rewarded, therefore feeling good about yourself.

Also, People might us "Intrinsic Motivation"

• The motivation that occurs when YOU yourself want to be personally rewarded for something.

Examples:

• You are participating in a sport that you love to do.
• Going to the store because you love the clothes 
• Playing checkers because you find it exciting

Fixed Mindset

• People with a fixed mindset focus on their basic qualities and basic abilities.  They think of their intelligence and that their talent creates their success.  

Growth Mindset

• People with a growth mindset focus are the ones who challenge themselves and have the ability to do better.  They still focus on their basic qualities but push themselves with more dedication and hard work.

I feel that people with a a fixed mindset and extrinsic motivation will have the same feel of how to interpret Shakespeare's quote.  A person with a fixed mindset and extrinsic motivation will think the same way, for example.. getting a good grade on a test.  They will think that praising on good grades doesn't mean they need to put any effort into the work and that the grade marks where they stand and thats it.  They think that the grade will define their intelligence and their ability to do work.  However, people with a growth mindset and intrinsic motivation like to challenge themselves and the grade they receive isn't based on how bright they are, but how much effort and time they put into it.  They like to face challenges and their abilities, not focusing on how good the grade itself is.  I think people with a fixed mindset and extrinsic motivation will believe in the quote, where as people with a growth mindset and intrinsic motivation won't really believe in it at all because they are only worried about how much effort they put into the work, and how they challenged themselves because that's what their brain tells them and that's the way they think.

In my opinion I think people with a growth mindset and intrinsic motivation is the best way to go.  But hey! everyone is different and have different motivations and mindsets.  As long as it gets them to where they want to stand with their school work, then I think either ones are fine.

This honestly was difficult for me to do because it was confusing to me at first.  But I did put a lot of effort and I feel that you could do anything that you believe in and if you really try then there isn't ever going to be a time where you say "I can't do it."  You have to learn how to push yourself and be confident with your work.  Just like I felt after writing this blog entry!

(I learned the definitions and got them off of these websites)

http://psychology.about.com/od/motivation/f/difference-between-extrinsic-and-intrinsic-motivation.htm

http://michaelgr.com/2007/04/15/fixed-mindset-vs-growth-mindset-which-one-are-you/

http://mindsetonline.com