A few days ago, I was listening to a speaker talking about how lazy, unmotivated and basically moronic most people are when it comes to running their own lives. His argument was that people know what to do, but that they are too lazy or too unmotivated to do anything other than complain about their poor results.

I thought about that perspective and turned to my own experience over the many years I have had of working with students who are getting poor results in school. Maybe it is just the self-selected group of weary students who make their way to Genius by Choice for help, but I don't agree with this harsh judgment. While I do agree that not every student who knocks on my door is highly motivated, most are.

Rather than being lazy, unmotivated or moronic (his word, definitely not mine), most are stressed, fearful and have out-of-control anxiety over their inability to do well in school. I think just a handful of variables are essential for success.

One: A clear, well defined goal.

Two: An internally generated, high level of desire to achieve that goal

Three: A systematic, proven plan for achieving that goal.

Four: A high level of confidence in the plan.

Most of the students who come for help with their academics have only 1 of the 4 elements, and that is the high level of desire to do better. Generally, they have not set achievement goals. And none of them have a proven plan of how to succeed, and all of them have low confidence in their own abilities. But never have I interviewed a student who is actually lazy, unmotivated or moronic.

The truth is, at least in my experience, that the number one variable that low achieving students lack, is the proven plan. This guy insisted that people do know what to do, they are just, well.. you know, fill in his words. That is simply not the case. Many students are using outdated, never tested, poorly thought out and antiquated techniques that do not produce the desired results. When I work with their desire to improve and show them how to set goals, and how to achieve those goals and they have confidence in the plan, then we see results.

I would like to hear from you.

Do you think this 'speaker' was right about his assessment of 'most people'?

Do you think that everyone does know what to do but are too lazy to do it?

Which assessment makes you feel most hopeful? Lazy and unmotivated-Lacking direction and know how?