What Drives You?
**Double Jeopardy**
What’s something that can motivate you to reach a goal? (Think: rewards, people, feelings, or dreams.)
Answers vary — examples: parents, future plans, feeling proud, earning rewards.
What’s something that usually gets in the way when you’re trying to reach a goal?
Distractions, procrastination, stress, or losing interest.
When you start feeling stressed or overwhelmed, what’s one quick thing you can do to calm yourself?
Take a few deep breaths, step outside, stretch, or focus on what you can control.
This part of your brain helps you make smart choices, plan ahead, and think about your future — it’s like the boss in charge.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
What’s one quick thing you can do when you don’t feel like starting something?
Just do the first small step — like opening the doc, putting your name on it, or setting a 5-minute timer.
When you really don’t feel like doing something, what helps you push through?
Answers vary — examples: music, breaking tasks down, reminders of goals, support from others.
**Double Jeopardy**
When you mess up or fall behind, what’s the best thing to do next?
Reflect, adjust your plan, and try again instead of giving up.
What’s the difference between saying “I can’t do this” and “This is hard, but I’ll figure it out”?
One shuts you down, the other keeps you open to problem-solving — that’s the power of self-talk.
This part of your brain just wants what feels good right now — like scrolling TikTok instead of doing homework.
What is the limbic system?
Music, movement, or mindset — which one helps you reset fastest when your energy is low?
Answers vary — helps students reflect on their personal motivators.
What’s the difference between doing something because you want to vs. because you have to?
Doing it because you want to = personal motivation; because you have to = outside pressure.
True or False: Failing once means your goal isn’t realistic.
False — failure is part of learning, not a sign to quit.
** Double Jeopardy**
How can being mindful help you make better choices when you’re upset or frustrated?
It gives you a pause to think before reacting, so emotions don’t take over.
This brain chemical makes you feel good when you get likes, rewards, or win something — but too much of it can make you chase quick highs instead of real goals.
What is dopamine?
** Double Jeopardy **
Why does starting matter more than “feeling ready”?
Action creates motivation — once you start, your brain builds momentum.
True or False: You’ll always feel motivated if the goal is important.
False — motivation comes and goes, even for things you care about.
What’s one way you can stay focused when things get stressful or chaotic?
Make a to-do list, take a short break, or find a calm space to reset.
When things feel out of control, what’s something you can focus on to ground yourself in the moment?
Your breathing, senses (what you see/hear/feel), or one small next step.
** Double Jeopardy**
When you wait to enjoy something later instead of giving in to what feels good right now, you’re practicing this skill.
What is delayed gratification (or patience)?
What’s one way to turn a boring task into something more rewarding?
Pair it with music, make it a game, give yourself a small reward, or time yourself.
What can you do when motivation fades but the goal still matters?
Remind yourself why it matters, take a short break, or ask for support/accountability.
What’s something you’ve learned from a time things didn’t go as planned?
Answers vary — helps students reflect on resilience, problem-solving, and self-awareness.
Why does the way you talk to yourself matter for resilience?
Because your inner voice shapes your confidence, focus, and ability to recover from challenges.
Your brain gives you little hits of this “feel-good” chemical for short-term wins, but working hard toward long-term goals builds a steadier, more lasting version of it.
What is sustainable dopamine (or long-term satisfaction)?
When you’re stuck in a bad mood, what’s one mindset shift that can help you refocus?
“I don’t have to be perfect — I just have to start,” or “This won’t last forever — I can handle this.”