The Duquesa Buoy

Among the existing human motivations, I enjoy working with the one defined by Atkinson (1957) as achievement motivation. Atkinson expanded on McClelland's theory, proposing that the motivation to complete tasks is influenced by two main factors: people are either motivated by success or driven by the fear of failure.

In summary, people driven by Motivation for Success have a drive to achieve challenging goals, seek out activities of moderate difficulty (not too easy, nor impossible), and feel satisfaction in overcoming obstacles. On the other hand, those oriented toward Fear of Failure are concerned about failing or being judged negatively, tending to avoid challenges or choose tasks that are either very easy (to ensure success) or extremely difficult (to justify failure).

Beyond the mathematical formulas that define Achievement Motivation, my current experience with this theme has been “The Duchess Buoy.” Let’s dive in!

A stage for transcendental swimming experiences during classes at Praia da Duquesa in Cascais, going to and from the marker buoy (the yellow buoy) is a daily task for those who practice open water swimming there. However, for me, rounding the Duquesa Buoy, from the very first day I saw it (about four months ago), has been a challenge. In my mind, whenever the coach set the goal of going out and back, I would think about the fear of failing—that is, not being able to make it there. But I also remembered the feeling of achievement, victory, and fulfillment that comes from reaching a goal. These ambivalent feelings, I felt, were limiting my progress.

That's when I remembered Complex Learning, which, in short, focuses on specific domains by involving Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes.

To achieve the goal of rounding the Duchess Buoy, the Knowledge and Skills were gained through Swim4Fun classes, group discussions, and the Swim4Fun Club workshops, which also helped. What I was missing was the Attitude! I finally understood that, since it’s an internal process, my motivation had to be Achievement Motivation—Motivated for Success! In the end, the accomplishment of looking at the Duchess Buoy, going there and back, there and back, there and back… as many times as needed, was something I recently overcame. And I hope it continues this way, as a stepping stone toward the next challenge.

Thiago Pontes

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