Motivation - What Really Drives Kids,Teens and Adults

What really drives us? In this episode of the Resilient Kid Podcast, Ashley Costello kicks off a mini-series on motivation. She explains what fuels motivation, what blocks it, and how kids, teens, and adults can build more of it in daily life. From brain science to practical tools, you’ll learn how motivation really works and how to support it at home, in school, and at work.

You’ll Hear

• The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
• Why internal motivation lasts longer than external rewards
• How dopamine helps us feel progress and momentum
• The three keys of self-determination theory: autonomy, competence, and relatedness
• Real-world examples for kids, teens, and adults
• A story of how linking revision to a bigger purpose helped a teen thrive
• A reflection exercise to spot your own intrinsic motivators

Timestamps

00:00 – What Drives Us and Why Motivation Matters
01:00 – Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation
02:00 – Why Intrinsic Motivation is Stronger
03:00 – Dopamine and the Brain’s Role
04:00 – Self-Determination Theory Explained
06:00 – Autonomy: Having a Sense of Choice
07:00 – Competence: Building Skills and Confidence
10:00 – Relatedness: Connection and Support
15:00 – Why Some Environments Boost Motivation
16:00 – A Teen’s Story: From Bribes to Purpose
18:00 – Reflection Exercise to Find Your Motivators
19:00 – What’s Next in the Motivation Mini-Series

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We’re building a space where parents, teachers, and coaches can support each other and share tools to help kids thrive. Visit our Facebook group or drop us a message if you’d like to get involved in reaching more children.

Find out more & Links:

• An Educator's Guide to Raising Resilient Learners (Waitlist): https://theresilienthub.co.uk/educators-guide-waitlist

• The Resilient School training and consultancy: https://theresilientschool.co.uk/trs-services

• A Parents' Guide to Raising a Resilient Kid: https://amzn.eu/d/0196zmiI

• Newsletter sign-up: https://theresilienthub.co.uk/newsletter-signup

• Main website: https://theresilienthub.co.uk/

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkid

• Email: ashley@theresilientkid.co.uk

The Resilient Kid Podcast is produced by Chantelle Venter at maddatu.com on behalf of The Resilient People, trading as The Resilient Kid, The Resilient Teen and The Resilient School.