The Psychology of difficulty and Mastery

I felt a sense of satisfaction with each victory as I made my way up the Towers in Mortal Kombat crushing my opponents 1 by 1. I The game challenged me to improve my skills and strategy with each new opponent, and I relished the feeling of progress as I climbed higher until I would final approach the final boss. I finally, faced the final boss and I knew it would not be a easy fight but the intense excitement and adrenaline rush I felt as I landed the final blow was indescribable. I had achieved mastery over the game and felt an immense sense of accomplishment.

Mastery is a powerful motivator that drives individuals to develop their skills, knowledge, and abilities. At its core, mastery is the desire to become proficient in a particular area, to develop a deep understanding of a topic or activity, and to feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as a result. In this article, we will explore the psychology of mastery and how it can be harnessed to drive motivation and success.

Why Hard Games like Flappy Bird are So Addictive

Flappy Bird, the mobile game developed by Vietnamese game designer Dong Nguyen, became a viral sensation in early 2014, despite its simple graphics and frustratingly difficult gameplay. The game involved tapping the screen to make a bird flap its wings and navigate through a series of pipes without touching them. Many players found the game so difficult that they became obsessed with beating it, and it quickly became one of the most downloaded apps in the App Store. But why do people love hard games like Flappy Bird, and why was it such a viral hit?

Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness: The Three Basic Needs for Mastery

According to Self-Determination Theory (SDT), a widely accepted theory of human motivation, there are three basic psychological needs that must be satisfied in order to achieve mastery: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Autonomy refers to the desire to feel in control of one's own behavior and choices. Competence refers to the desire to feel capable and effective in one's actions. Relatedness refers to the desire to feel connected and involved with others.

These three needs are essential for achieving mastery, as they provide the foundation for motivation and drive. When individuals feel in control of their own behavior, are effective in their actions, and feel connected with others, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in the pursuit of mastery.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: The Role of Motivation in Achieving Mastery

Intrinsic motivation is the desire to engage in an activity for its own sake, because it is inherently enjoyable or satisfying. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is the desire to engage in an activity for external rewards, such as money, recognition, or praise.

While both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can drive individuals to pursue mastery, research has shown that intrinsic motivation is a more powerful driver of long-term motivation and success. When individuals are intrinsically motivated, they are more likely to engage in deliberate practice, seek out feedback, and persist in the face of challenges.

The Importance of Deliberate Practice and Feedback

Deliberate practice is a key component of achieving mastery. This involves setting specific goals, breaking down complex skills into smaller, manageable parts, and engaging in focused, deliberate practice with feedback.

Feedback is essential for improving performance and achieving mastery. Without feedback, individuals may not know how to improve their skills or where to focus their efforts. Feedback should be specific, timely, and focused on areas for improvement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastery is a powerful motivator that drives individuals to develop their skills, knowledge, and abilities. By satisfying the three basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, individuals can achieve mastery and experience a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Intrinsic motivation is a more powerful driver of long-term motivation and success, and deliberate practice with feedback is essential for improving performance and achieving mastery. By understanding the psychology of mastery, individuals can harness this powerful motivator to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Abdi Jama