Self-Determination Theory in Liberation Martial Arts
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Self-determination theory (SDT) is a psychological framework that provides valuable insights into motivation and behavior. It offers an alternative to toxic motivational approaches based on shame, judgment, fear, and rigid goal-setting. Understanding and applying SDT can lead to greater consistency and enjoyment in our movement practice.
I specifically use the term "movement" because it is open-ended and inclusive, allowing for more activities and ways to succeed.
What is self-determination theory?
According to SDT, three fundamental needs must be met:
Autonomy: Feeling in control of your actions and decisions.
Competence: Feeling like you're improving.
Relatedness: Feeling connected and valued by others.
When these needs are satisfied, individuals are more likely to experience intrinsic motivation—engaging in activities for the inherent satisfaction and enjoyment they bring rather than for external rewards or pressures.
The pitfalls of toxic motivation
Commercial approaches to movement often rely on shame, judgment, and fear as toxic motivators. These tactics are damaging, leading to negative self-perception and a hostile relationship with physical movement. Here's why these tactics are not only ineffective but counterproductive:
Shame and judgment: These tactics create a negative feedback loop, where individuals associate physical activities with feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing. This diminishes the joy of movement and undermines long-term commitment. No one wants to consistently engage in an activity that makes them feel worse about themselves.
Fear: Fear-based motivation, much too prevalent in radical spaces, might prompt short-term action but fails to foster lasting change. Fear creates a stressful and anxiety-ridden environment, which is not conducive to sustained engagement and psychological well-being.
Negative external motivations turn physical movement into a loathsome task to put up with rather than a source of joy.
Less toxicity means more consistency
SDT fosters intrinsic motivation, which is critical to consistency in any behavior, including physical movement.
Autonomy: When individuals feel they have a choice and control over their bodily autonomy, including movement, they are more likely to stay committed. Autonomy supports personal relevance and alignment with one's values, making physical movement a personally meaningful activity.
Competence: Skillfulness and progress are powerful motivators. By setting achievable challenges and improving physical skills and composure, individuals build self-confidence. This sense of competence fuels a positive cycle of motivation and continued effort. Whether games or physical activities, people enjoy getting better at things.
Relatedness: A supportive and connected environment enhances motivation. When individuals feel valued and supported by their peers, they are more likely to stay engaged. Community and solidarity transform physical movement practices from a solitary task into a shared and enjoyable experience.
Reassessing goals
Rigid, extrinsically focused, and unattainable goals (e.g., no one will ever hurt me again) can lead to harm, both psychological and physical. Instead, consider adopting flexible, process-oriented goals emphasizing exploration and enjoyment.
For example:
Process goal: "I want to explore different types of movement and find what I enjoy the most."
Learning goal: "I want to improve my skill in a particular movement practice."
Connection goal: "I want solidarity and a supportive community."
How we apply SDT in the LMA Learning Lab
In the LMA Learning Lab, you have bodily autonomy over your movements. Movements are not just idiosyncratic but culturally informed. You get to be who you are as you move. We set challenges to your movements, but your explicit and implicit feedback co-designs our challenges. As you explore our challenges, games, and tasks, you become a better mover. From safe play with fellow LMA practitioners, a supportive and encouraging community emerges.
LMA is not about techniques or mechanics but about creating a positive and empowering environment where physical movement and experiential activities can be explored and enjoyed as sustainable parts of life.
Don't wait to find meaning in movement. Every day we're reminded that life's too damn short.
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