Leaving a Legacy: Self-Efficacy and Intrinsic Motivation

The Power of Self-Efficacy and Intrinsic Motivation

Leaving a legacy is something everybody should strive to do, but nobody who is content with living an average life will ever do so. That’s why in order to be remembered, you must do the things nobody has ever done before. A great man once said “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead or rotten, either write something worth reading or do things worth the writing.”(Benjamin Franklin). The average person wouldn’t find this quote as meaningful as the protagonists in the novels Beowulf, The Time Machine, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and 1984 would. They realize what it takes to leave a legacy because not only are they Self-Efficant, they are intrinsically motivated as well.

That’s what makes leaving a legacy so intriguing is that you don’t really realize you are leaving a legacy, you just do what you enjoy doing and the rest seems to fall into place.
It takes a special kind of person to be driven towards doing great things, but to do so you can’t be afraid of doing things out of your comfort zone. Chances are other people are going to be just as afraid as you are. That’s why it is up to you to be the one to accomplish those tasks, since those are the things that will leave you embedded in the memories of those who were too scared to do so.
Intrinsic Motivation
There is a drive to excel in every one of us. Some people may excel in art, while others prosper in mathematics. Whatever the case may be, each of us have interests that motivate us to endeavor towards greatness. This motivation is intrinsic in nature, we find this desirable, and nobody can take that away from you. A child loves to play and to learn. They are dynamic, inquisitive, and avid to draw in their surroundings, and when they do they learn. To some degree Adults love to play and learn as well. At the point when individuals are playing and learning in this enthusiastic and willing way, they are intrinsically motivated. All through life, when they are in their most beneficial states, they are dynamic and intrigued, and the naturally roused practices result in helping them procure learning about themselves and their reality (Deci, E. L. and Ryan).
Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy is defined as people’s beliefs over their capabilities to produce designated levels of performance that exercise influence over events that affect their lives (Bandura). Self-efficacy correlates with intrinsic motivation by giving one the courage to perform a task with no concern. Being self-efficant towards your ability determines whether you would be competent in your potential to take on a task. This determines your feelings toward an activity, influencing the level of motivation you choose to utilize. In a recent study, Researchers have succeeded in verifying its discriminant validity as well as convergent validity in predicting common motivational outcomes, such as students' activity choices, effort, persistence, and emotional reactions (Zimmerman). With the information gathered from the study, you can conclude that the level of self-efficacy one has can determine whether they will effectively complete a task at the best of their ability.
Beowulf
Beowulf is a man of great pride, characterized by an immense level of self-efficacy.

Throughout the story he seems to find countless ways to continue baffling his peers. Whether it be from his exciting stories or heroic actions, the sky is the limit for him. He is driven by intrinsic motivation, compelling him to constantly challenge himself and transcend to new heights. This motivation can be seen as both a blessing and a curse. Resulting in his rise to the throne, and demise as king.

Beowulf’s intrinsic motivation seems to derive from a myriad of factors. Factors pertaining to either Beowulf’s Hubris, or devotion to God can be seen influencing him to take on new trials, void of fear for the repercussions that follow. The following quote can give you an insight as to what kind of character Beowulf really is " Grendel gripped and grabbed him there, but the Geat remembered his vast strength, that glorious gift given of him by God, and put his trust for support and assistance in the grace of the Lord; thus he overcame the envoy of hell, humbled his evil adversary," (ll. 1269-74). From this you can understand that Beowulf’s religious values have a direct link to influencing his thought process, motivating him to go above and

beyond.
The Time Machine
The Time Traveller has done what nobody thought possible. He has single handedly built the only time machine in existence and successfully used it to travel into the future. Nobody believed him and discouraged him when he told them of his miraculous invention. Even those who he presumed to be friends had their doubts “The fact is, the Time Traveller was one of those men who are too clever to be believed” (Wells 2). None of his achievements would have been possible if he choose to underestimate his ability, and give in to the words of his colleagues. This is why it is beneficial to be intrinsically motivated towards the activities you enjoy, because with confidence comes a high level of self-efficacy.
Sir Gaiwin and the Green Knight
The story of Sir Gaiwin is a very interesting one indeed. It tells the tale of a knight who courageously takes on the challenge of the dreaded Green knight, while in full knowledge that his capabilities are subpar as expressed in this quote "I am the weakest [of your knight], I know, and the dullest-minded, So my death would be the least loss, if truth should be told; Only because you are my uncle am I to be praised, No virtue I know in myself but your blood."
(354 - 357). Sir Gawain’s valiant effort was all which was needed to prove himself. He boldly stood up when nobody else would, and took on the Green Knights task single-handedly. This action in itself can clearly show the faith he had in his ability to protect the kingdoms good name was significantly self-efficant to say the least. The way Sir Gaiwin is intrinsically motivated is very clear once you look at the big picture. By taking on the challenge, he is protecting the kingdoms good name. Reaping the benefit of any internal rewards, and gaining the respect from all across the land who had the opportunity to hear of such a daring and heroic act.
1984
The novel 1984 is a perfect example of how far one can go when intrinsically motivated. It tells the story of Winston Smith, a would-be rebel who goes a great length to bring down the corrupt and devious government that feels no remorse in telling lies to brainwash their citizens. Winston Smith is truly a rebel, he is motivated, and determined to overthrow the existing government; which is perhaps the most dangerous thing one could do in that reality. The quote “"They can’t get inside you. If you can feel that staying human is worth while, even when it can’t have any result whatever, you’ve beaten them." He thought of the telescreen with its never-sleeping ear. They could spy upon you night and day, but if you kept your head you could still outwit them.” (Orwell 2.7.30-31) shows Winston’s true intentions to stay true to his rebellious spirit. His rebellious spirit is what retains his motivation, knowingly putting his life at risk for a cause greater than himself.
By preserving an expansive level self-efficacy, Winston belief in his actions will show to aid him in his quest to take down Big-Brother. The following quote "If you are a man, Winston, you are the last man. Your kind is extinct; we are the inheritors. Do you understand that you are alone? You are outside history, you are non-existent." His manner changed and he said more harshly: "And you consider yourself morally superior to us, with our lies and our cruelty?" "Yes, I consider myself superior." (Orwell 3.3.58-59, O’Brien and Winston) displays just how confident Winston truly is in himself towards defeating the government. His spirit is imperative, and unparalleled to say the least. His self-efficant personality will show to take him to the farthest possible step in his journey, without such he would be just another mindless citizen, susceptible to propaganda, and the governments brainwash tactics to keep the society oppressed and vulnerable.
Conclusion
The main protagonists in the 4 stories have showed unprecedented heroism and passion for what they believe in. Demonstrating that with confidence, and an unrivaled motivation towards their passion, you can accomplish anything essentially. This level of passion is to be respected by all who behold, leaving them in awe; proving that they are truly a legend in all sense of the word.