May Reflections
Recently I took part in a 50km Ultra Marathon. Those that know me will think "Ok, yes, and So what is new about this?"
This run was different from others in so many ways. 2500 women ran, walked, hobbled their way around the Llyn Peninsula in 50 mph winds & hail, across the sand, up some hills and through the fields. There were no cut off times, everyone was encouraged to finish. So much of this event was different to the norm, but there is one unique feature of that has stuck with me - we got our medals before we ran.
This gesture has been so thought provoking.
To be handed the 'reward' before taking on the task in hand changes the motivation from external to internal. Like many runners I love a medal, love to feel the moment of proudly walking down the street away from an event and gazing into the eyes of other medal wearers, each knowing that there is a shared experience attached to the symbol.
So, to have this symbol offered in recognition of effort made in preparation and the resilience needed beforehand was a humbling experience. In theory, it offered each of us the choice to walk away with the 'reward' regardless of doing the run. This gesture completely refocused the individual motivation to participate.
The reason to do it shifted on a subtle level.
Rewards, external rewards and intrinsic motivation will feature across so many households in the next month. SATs, assessments, dissertations, exams all start to make themselves known. And, much like the arrival of the daisies on my grass, before you know it their presence has spread to occupy all available space.
Opening up to signal the start of the day, glaringly obvious and unavoidable, shutting down as the day ends, waiting to begin the cycle again when the day begins. Whether your child is directly involved or not, they will be treading carefully through the daisies in their education setting regardless. This takes energy and changes the landscape of the day. Environmental change and the stress of those around us all has an impact on some level.
My thoughts turn to those that are stepping into the assessment landscape and their individual motivation to do so. The topic of 'rewards to motivate' is well researched. Whether its a Sticker Chart for a child or a financial reward for an adult, the research evidences that this doesn't really work as a motivator of effort.
The conditional nature takes away from the purpose, in some cases it can result in the opposite effect of the initial intention. We know this, but as parents, educators, employers who want to encourage & feel 'good enough' it can be challenging to believe it to be true. Perhaps because the offer is our own reward to self? Some sort of external evidence to others that we are doing our best? Perhaps we are seeking that nod from another in recognition of shared experience?
The sticker chart and reward debate will no doubt be one that I continue to have with folk my whole career. But right now, in this time of assessment, what we know to be beneficial and without negative impact, is connection.
Our children, young people, colleagues all will benefit from relational connection, the noticing of the effort made regardless of outcome, the naming of the little sacrifices or moments that you noticed resilience, a change, a positive choice. Connecting, just for a moment, before the event - staying with the positive, abandoning judgement regardless of your own fears - this can change everything.
This is the medal before the event.