Optimal motivation for talent development

The main goal of this paper is to conceptualize a theory of optimal motivat ion for talent development. According to this theory, a lack of motivation can seriously undermine talent development. Optimal motivation is necessary for the full development of talent. Optimal motivation is described as a " flow" experience in which students become so absorbed in a task that they l ose track of time and their efforts seem effortless." A generalized expecta ncy-value theory is used to analyze 3 ideal conditions under which students are most likely to experience flow (a) optimal challenge, (b) undivided in terest, and (c) optimal arousal. These conditions ale further analyzed by r eversal theory to show how each is composed of two complementary motivation al processes: (a) "serious-minded" process and (b) "fun-minded" process. Th e balanced interaction of these two processes creates the optimal motivatio n of "serious fun" (Rea, 1995, p. 22). With serious fun, students are able to sustain high levels of talent development without burnout or dropout.