The Source of the Ethical Reference: Positive vs. Negative Motivation

The final source of motivation is what I refer to as the source of ethical reference. Put more simply, this is the difference between positive motivation and negative motivation. This mental skill shapes not only how athletes pursue success, but the standards they use to define what success actually means.

Positive motivation is rooted in values such as integrity, effort, and respect for the sport. Athletes driven by positive motivation want to win, but they also care deeply about how they win. They are motivated by the pursuit of improvement, mastery, and competing at their best within the rules of the game. These athletes set high personal standards, embrace challenges, and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Their motivation pushes them forward in a way that is sustainable and fulfilling.

Negative motivation, on the other hand, is often driven by fear, ego, or comparison. It shows up as a win-at-all-costs mindset, where the outcome becomes more important than the process. When negative motivation takes over, athletes may justify cutting corners, bending rules, or taking shortcuts to gain an advantage. Over time, this approach creates anxiety, erodes confidence, and often leads to consequences that extend far beyond competition.

Lance Armstrong is a clear example of how negative motivation can overshadow even the greatest physical talent. Armstrong was an extraordinary cyclist who won the Tour de France seven consecutive times between 1999 and 2005. His physical abilities and competitive drive were undeniable. However, his overwhelming desire to win at any cost led to systematic doping and deception. While he achieved historic success on paper, those victories were later stripped away. Today, Armstrong is remembered less for his athletic dominance and more for the ethical failures that defined his legacy.

This example highlights an important lesson for all athletes. Motivation rooted in fear of losing, pressure to prove worth, or comparison to others often leads to poor decisions. In contrast, motivation grounded in positive principles builds confidence that is earned, resilience that lasts, and pride that remains long after competition ends.

As athletes, our job is to choose the right reference point for our motivation. Positive motivation means committing to hard work, honesty, and respect for the sport. It means pursuing excellence in a way that aligns with who you want to be as a competitor and as a person. This approach not only enhances performance but also builds character and a sense of accomplishment that cannot be taken away.

This is Mental Strength.

For Players

Do:

1. Define what competing with integrity looks like for you before you step into competition.

2. Measure success by effort, preparation, and execution, not just the scoreboard.

Avoid:

1. Justifying poor decisions or shortcuts in the name of winning.

2. Letting fear of failure or comparison drive your motivation.

For Parents

Do:

1. Reinforce values like honesty, effort, and respect when talking about performance.

2. Praise character and work ethic as much as results.

Avoid:

1. Sending the message that winning matters more than how it is achieved.

2. Ignoring negative behavior because outcomes look good.

For Coaches

Do:

1. Clearly define and model ethical standards within your program.

2. Hold athletes accountable to values, not just outcomes.

Avoid:

1. Tolerating unethical behavior because it produces short-term success.

2. Creating a culture where pressure replaces integrity.

Build Motivation That You Can Stand Behind

If you want to develop athletes who compete with confidence, character, and purpose, come train with us. Download the MOTYV8 app and start building a mental operating system that supports both elite performance and lasting values.