Why We Do What We Do: Understanding Self-Motivation

I learned a lot by reading this book. It really is not an exciting read but if your interested in the subject matter it really is worth the money. By the time I got to the last few chapters I really had wished that the authors would have made it more exciting (or the book just a bit shorter). However, this book was very educational and I think anyone who has an interest in motivation and how it works would do well reading this book.

If you are a teacher, parent or manager this book has extremely valuable information that will help you make improvements in the manner you relate to your students, children or employees. The book is well written, easy to read, with examples of case studies a layman can easily understand. It was written by a professional but specifically written for the average reader. I found that refreshing. So many professionals write to satisfy their peers that they lose the average reader. Deci advances some ideas that are contrary to the conventional wisdom of getting the most from employees. However his ideas are very compelling and sound. For example, our system of rewards tries to control a person's behavior. The results of one of the case studies showed that when the rewards were offered with an intent of controlling behavior it sabotaged the desired results. The only motivation that actually works long term is intrinsic motivation. Deci points out ways that we can foster intrinsic motivation. Unfortunately most of our efforts foster extrinsic motivation using either rewards or threats. Remove the rewards or the threats and the motivation disappears. While it is well written and contains many valuable lessons, for most readers it will be a new way of thinking and will require periodic reinforcement.

I found the book most helpful in understanding the subject of self-motivation. With case studies, it is easy to relate theory to practical applications. I find the application of the theories, concepts and ideas to a wide array of situations useful. The book is written in fairly simple manner that any lay person can easily understand the subject of self-motivation without prior knowledge of the psychology of motivation.

The book's explanation about intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is very detailed and interesting. I really enjoyed reading it, and I can relate the concepts explained in the book with my daily experiences. Furthermore, the author(s) explained the concepts with simple language so that the book is very easy to understand. You don't have to be a psychology major to be able to enjoy the book.

This book will be a great addition to any teachers, managers, or parents bookshelves. It explores the psychology of intrinsic (vs. extrinsic) motivation and shows how supervisors, and other people in "one-up" positions, can be more than managers, but true leaders who foster autonomous, authentic growth and responsible decision-making in their subordinates. A must read for anyone who recognizes the lack of responsiblity and accountability in people today and would like to foster positive change in our schools, our companies, and our society.