In a recent study, MSU Kinesiology doctoral student Veronica Son and department chair Deborah Feltz have found that individuals are more motivated if they are working as part of a team, as opposed to focusing solely on themselves. Specifically, the researchers saw increased performance when the word “I” was replaced with “we” in self-talk motivational statements.

“I believe in the power of ‘we,’” Son said. “The study revealed that group-oriented self-talk enhanced a team’s confidence. The findings provide fundamental information about how to effectively build positive team outcomes using self-talk focused not on ‘I’ but ‘we’.”

Feltz added that this principle can be applied beyond the realm of kinesiology and athletics.

“Reinforcing the sense of team and focusing on a team goal can help someone change health behaviors or reach sales goals,” Feltz said.

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Tags: Feltz, Kinesiology, motivation, Veronica Son