Motivation is one of the most powerful forces driving human behavior. Whether it's sticking to a new habit, achieving personal growth, or deepening a spiritual connection, understanding what keeps us motivated can make all the difference. Enter Self-Determination Theory (SDT), a well-known psychological framework that explores what drives us to start and sustain behaviors. Interestingly, many of the concepts in SDT align beautifully with the timeless teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, a spiritual guide who offers deep insights into personal growth and spiritual development.
In this blog, we’ll explore how SDT and Rebbe Nachman’s teachings intersect and how understanding both can help us maintain motivation in our lives.
Autonomy and Free Will: The Power of Choice
One of the pillars of SDT is autonomy, the idea that we need to feel in control of our actions to stay motivated. When we make choices based on our personal values and interests, we’re more likely to stick with them in the long run. Rebbe Nachman also places a strong emphasis on free will. He teaches that each of us has the ability to choose our path in life, especially when it comes to our spiritual journey. The power of choice, according to Rebbe Nachman, is at the core of our connection to HaShem, and every day presents an opportunity to make choices that align us with our higher purpose.
For both SDT and Rebbe Nachman, autonomy is not just about making any choice—it’s about making meaningful choices. Whether it’s pursuing a scientific career, deepening your prayer life, or committing to a personal habit, it’s essential to feel that these choices are aligned with your inner values and spiritual purpose. Rebbe Nachman’s reminder that we are all capable of choosing good and moving closer to HaShem through our actions mirrors SDT’s emphasis on autonomy as a driving force of motivation.
Competence and Overcoming Despair: Believing in Your Potential
Another key concept in SDT is competence, the belief that you have the skills and ability to succeed. This is crucial for sustaining motivation—if you don’t feel capable, it’s hard to stay motivated. Rebbe Nachman’s teachings deeply resonate with this idea, especially when he talks about the importance of never giving up. He acknowledges that life can be filled with challenges and feelings of inadequacy, but he urges us to remember that we are all capable of overcoming these obstacles.
Rebbe Nachman’s famous saying, “There is no despair in the world at all,” is a perfect reflection of the competence element in SDT. He encourages us to look at the progress we’ve made, no matter how small, and to trust that with persistence and effort, we can achieve our goals. Just as SDT emphasizes the importance of feeling competent, Rebbe Nachman tells us to focus on our strengths and keep striving, even when things feel difficult or impossible.
Relatedness and Connection with HaShem: Finding Meaning in Relationships
In SDT, relatedness refers to the need to feel connected to others and to have a sense of belonging. Rebbe Nachman’s teachings emphasize the importance of our relationship with HaShem and how personal prayer can deepen that connection. His practice of hitbodedut—speaking to HaShem in a personal and spontaneous way—encourages an intimate, almost friendship-like relationship with the Divine.
This idea aligns with SDT’s concept of relatedness, where feeling connected to something greater than ourselves motivates us to keep moving forward. In Rebbe Nachman’s view, nurturing a relationship with HaShem through daily prayer and reflection can provide the spiritual support and sense of belonging we need to remain motivated in our personal and spiritual lives.
Intrinsic Motivation and Joy: Finding Happiness in the Process
Both SDT and Rebbe Nachman recognize the power of joy in sustaining motivation. SDT discusses intrinsic motivation, which refers to doing something because it is inherently enjoyable, not because of external rewards. Similarly, Rebbe Nachman teaches that we should serve HaShem with joy, finding happiness in the very act of spiritual practice.
When we engage in activities that bring us joy, we are more likely to stick with them over the long term. Rebbe Nachman emphasizes this in his teachings on joy, reminding us that even in the darkest times, finding joy in our connection with HaShem can sustain us. Whether it’s performing mitzvot (commandments) or working on personal growth, approaching these tasks with joy helps us stay motivated, just as SDT suggests that intrinsic motivation leads to greater long-term commitment.
Focusing on Strengths: Rebbe Nachman’s 'Good Points' and SDT’s Competence
One of Rebbe Nachman’s most powerful teachings is the idea of focusing on your good points (nekudot tovot) every day. He urges us to seek out and reflect on our strengths and positive qualities, even when we feel overwhelmed by our shortcomings. This practice builds self-esteem and fosters a sense of competence, which is vital in SDT.
By regularly acknowledging our strengths, we reinforce our belief in our own potential, which helps sustain motivation. Rebbe Nachman’s advice to focus on our good points serves as a practical tool for staying motivated, much like SDT’s concept of competence. When we believe in ourselves, we are more likely to keep striving toward our goals.
Conclusion: Aligning Spiritual and Psychological Motivation
At the heart of both Self-Determination Theory and Rebbe Nachman’s teachings is the belief that motivation comes from within—whether it’s the drive to achieve personal goals or to connect with something greater than ourselves. SDT gives us a framework for understanding the psychological mechanics of motivation through autonomy, competence, and relatedness, while Rebbe Nachman provides the spiritual guidance to deepen that motivation by focusing on joy, personal growth, and our connection to HaShem.
When we combine these two approaches, we get a powerful blueprint for sustaining motivation in all areas of life. By embracing autonomy in our choices, building competence by focusing on our strengths, and nurturing a deep relationship with HaShem, we can maintain the motivation we need to achieve both our personal and spiritual goals.
In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.
Comentarios