Goldilocks Rule
Optimal motivation occurs when tasks are neither too hard nor too easy.Description
The Goldilocks Rule states that maximum engagement and motivation are achieved when tasks are at the right level of difficulty - not too easy to be boring, but not too hard to be frustrating. This concept is rooted in the psychological theory of flow, where a person is fully immersed and focused on an activity. The Goldilocks Rule is valuable in personal development, education, and workplace productivity, as it helps in designing tasks and challenges that keep individuals optimally engaged and motivated, leading to better learning, performance, and satisfaction.
Examples
In education, tailoring lesson difficulty to match a student's skill level increases engagement and learning effectiveness.
In the workplace, assigning projects that are challenging but achievable boosts employee motivation and job satisfaction.