Where Should We Direct Our Need for Achievement?

“The most important thing in the world is not where we are, but which way we are going.”
— O. W. Holmes

Characteristics of people with a high need for achievement

• Strong desire for success

• Seek frequent feedback

• Competitive spirit (with others or with themselves)

• Take personal responsibility for outcomes

• Set moderately challenging goals

• Manage risk carefully

Achievement goals can be oriented toward performance (demonstrating competence relative to others) or mastery (developing one’s own competence). Mastery-oriented individuals compete with their previous selves and embody a growth mindset.

Research shows that mastery-oriented individuals display greater resilience, persistence and adaptive strategies.

Directing achievement motivation toward learning, problem-solving and effort helps foster development and long-term success.

For more guidance on cultivating a growth mindset, see our article From a Fixed to a Growth Mindset.

If you’d like to learn more, contact us at prava.formula@pravaformula.hr.

 

Sources

Beck, R. (2003). Motivacija: teorija i načela. Jastrebarsko: Naklada Slap.

Reeve, J. (2010). Razumijevanje motivacije i emocija. Jastrebarsko: Naklada Slap.