Research shows that praising people for their effort instead of simply applauding their results helps build motivation, resilience, and a willingness to embrace challenges, whether in school or the workplace.
- Effort-based praise promotes risk-taking and sustained motivation.
- Compliments on ability can lead to avoidance of challenges.
- Encouraging effort helps build resilience after setbacks.
What happened
Social psychologist Andy Luttrell and colleagues studied how different types of praise affect motivation and behavior. They found that when children were praised for their intelligence or final results, they tended to shy away from challenging tasks and were less likely to persevere when facing difficulties. Conversely, those praised for their effort showed more willingness to take on challenges and continue working despite setbacks.
The research extended beyond children to adults in the workplace, revealing similar patterns. Praise emphasizing traits or outcomes can create pressure to maintain a flawless image, leading to risk aversion. When effort is recognized, people feel encouraged to push boundaries and improve without fear of failing or losing esteem.
Why it feels good
Praising effort connects people to their sense of progress rather than fixed characteristics like intelligence or talent. It fosters a mindset where growth and learning are celebrated, making success feel like a result of dedication rather than luck or innate gifts. This can boost self-esteem in a more durable way, as people see their own actions as the key to improvement.
Highlighting effort also reduces fear of failure. When people understand that trying hard is valued regardless of outcome, they become less anxious about making mistakes. This psychological safety enables creativity, experimentation, and persistence, which are vital ingredients for personal and professional development.
What to enjoy or watch next
Try shifting the compliments you give to focus more on effort and process. Instead of saying, 'You’re so smart,' consider praising someone's hard work or persistence. This simple change encourages a growth-oriented environment whether at home, school, or work.
For those interested in exploring this topic further, look for videos and talks by psychologists like Andy Luttrell that explain how communication shapes motivation. Sharing these insights with children, colleagues, or loved ones can improve relationships and fuel continuous improvement.