#Motivation

New research highlights how a few carefully chosen words can boost children’s motivation, resilience, and self-esteem. Psychologists and educators say simple phrases can cultivate a growth mindset and positive behavior. The idea gained wide attention after a widely shared article in The Times of India titled “10 golden phrases that can motivate children instantly,” prompting discussion among Thai parents and teachers.

In Thailand, where traditional discipline and encouragement play strong roles at home and in schools, strategic, supportive language could alter parent-child dynamics. Experts blend global psychology with Thai educational practices, suggesting affirmations such as “I believe in you,” “You are capable,” and “It’s okay to make mistakes” foster intrinsic motivation rather than mere compliance or empty praise.

A new study by researchers at the University of Bath has found that two surprisingly simple—and, crucially, cost-free—habits can substantially increase exercise motivation and activity levels: step-monitoring and mindfulness practice. The findings, published and reported by Woman & Home, offer valuable, evidence-based tips for anyone in Thailand struggling to maintain regular physical activity, especially as health authorities continue to stress the importance of exercise in fending off diseases and supporting mental wellbeing.

Small, cost-free habits can dramatically boost exercise motivation, according to a recent study from the University of Bath. Researchers found that tracking daily steps and practicing mindfulness can significantly increase activity levels. The findings, highlighted by Woman & Home, offer practical tips for Thai readers aiming to stay active amid busy urban lifestyles.

The study focused on adults not meeting national activity guidelines in the UK, asking them to aim for 8,000 steps a day for 30 days. Half of the participants added brief mindfulness sessions focused on movement and body awareness. By month’s end, both groups increased activity, with the step-tracking plus mindfulness group recording 76 more active minutes than the tracking-only group. Participants also reported stronger intentions to maintain an exercise routine.

A new study from Duke University reveals that dopamine, a crucial brain chemical, helps young zebra finches learn their songs. The research, published in a respected journal, shows how dopamine signals guide juvenile birds as they practice vocalizations, offering lessons for human learning and neurological health.

The findings highlight inner motivation as fledglings refine their voices. Like Thai children learning to speak, these birds imitate their fathers’ songs to communicate and attract mates. Mastery requires persistence: chicks often practice for months, producing thousands of renditions daily in pursuit of improvement. The study details this intense practice and its neural signals, advancing our understanding of how motivation drives skill development.

A new study reveals how young zebra finches gauge their singing through dopamine, a key brain chemical. Researchers at Duke University conducted the work, published in Nature, and it offers clues about how learning happens in both birds and humans. The findings highlight how neurochemistry shapes effort and motivation during skill development.

For Thai readers, the takeaway goes beyond bird education. The research suggests learning thrives on internal motivation rather than external rewards. Just as a Thai child practices pronunciation by repeating words, the birds refine their songs through sustained practice guided by their own brain chemistry. Dopamine rises with each practice attempt, independent of how perfect the note turns out, pointing to motivation as a driver of learning.

A new study from researchers at Duke University reveals how dopamine, a key brain chemical, drives learning in juvenile zebra finches even without external rewards. Published in Nature, the work shows that practice itself can be intrinsically rewarding, guiding young birds toward mastery as their brains monitor progress and motivate continued effort.

For Thai educators and neuroscientists, the findings offer meaningful implications. By examining how intrinsic motivation operates in a controlled, reward-free practice setting, the study provides a framework for nurturing self-directed learning in Thai classrooms and supports therapeutic approaches for brain-related disorders. In the experiments, male juvenile finches practiced in soundproof chambers, away from feedback, yet their neural activity indicated a rewarding internal experience tied to dopamine release. This suggests that progress, not just praise or external rewards, can sustain skilled performance over time.