Changing thought processes from NAF to NAch

Motivation is the desire to fulfill a need which energises and directs your behaviour.

There are two motives: NAch and NAF

NAch- The motivation to achieve success.

NAF- The motivation to avoid failure.

These types of motivations show different characteristics of behaviour 

NAch:

• Looks for challenges
• Values feedback from others
• Persists for longer
• Not afraid of failure
• Concerned about standards of excellence 
• Attributes performance to internal factors

NAF:

• Dislikes situations where there is a 50/50 chance
• Prefers to play a much easier or difficult opposition therefore they can predict the outcome of the game 
• They perform worse when being evaluated
• Attributes performance to external factors

However a person does not have to show all of these characteristics in order to become one of these types of people they can have different characteristics from each however there will be one which outweighs the other.

An example of this is the Sunderland 2013-2014 season. 

Sunderland were on the brink of relegation following a run of defeats under manager Paolo Di Canio. However after the sacking of Di Canio and the appointment of Gus Poyet Sunderland went on an unbeaten run of 6 games drawing one and winning the rest. Playing the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea. 

Somehow Poyet was able to change his players mindsets from being a NAF to a NAch. This meant that players went out thinking they could win instead of thinking about not losing by too much or trying to avoid getting embarrassed. This enabled Sunderland to ultimately avoid relegation and stay in the Premier League for another season. 

However just this change in mindset cannot be accounted for as the only reason as to why Sunderland went on this run as you have to consider the thought of relegation could have spurred them on but also Poyet could have generally a better coach.

Saying this a change in mindset can have a very big difference in the outcome of a situation and a change in attitude will be very effective not just in sport but also when it is applied to a real life situation.