I would love your questions and reflections on the topic of why people refuse to change their minds and/or adjust their stance on a political, personal, relationship, or health issue — despite overwhelming factual evidence contrary to their personal opinions.
Create a vision for your life that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning.
This “Why Vision Board” was created by my psychology students this past September.
Why Vision Boards in the classroom.
At the beginning of the semester, I ask my nursing students to share their reasons “why” they wanted to become a nurse. Why this program?
This simple question gives students insight into what motivates them. Something I consciously tap into throughout the school year.
Students are enthusiastic about learning at the start of the semester. New textbooks. Colourful notebooks. Dreams still fresh in their minds.
Illuminating lifelong dreams has the most impact midway through the school term.
This is when students truly need a boost in motivation (right about now). This is the time where I insert their original “Why” vision board into my PowerPoint lecture slides.
“Why Vision Board” created by a different group of students.
Halfway through the semester, students are surprised to see a photo of their own words, projected onto the big screen.
They are instantly drawn back into their reason “Why”.
An animated discussion ensues where students compare their initial motivations with their current state of mind and affairs.
Rekindling their dreams. Giving them a much needed reminder as to why they picked their program in the first place
What’s changed? What’s stayed the same. And why?
“Why Vision Board” in action!
Ultimately, their “why vision board” transports them to a higher place, well above the stresses of their exams, to a place where all their dreams began.
Boosting their motivation. Lifting them up. Multiplying their energy.
A simple why? question that works. Every single time.
Reminding them why their dreams matter.
Why school matters. Why they matter.
Reignite instrinsic motivation in one simple step: Ask yourself “Why?” you do what you do. Every chance you get!