Insights from ‘SuperBetter’ by Jane McGonigal Flashcards
What is the primary experience we have when playing a game, according to Jane McGonigal?
Agency, not threat, because we choose to be challenged.
How does self-efficacy influence your ability to achieve goals?
High self-efficacy leads to consistent action toward goals, even in difficult situations. Low self-efficacy hinders positive action.
Self-efficacy refers to confidence in _______.
The concrete skills and abilities needed to solve specific problems or achieve goals.
What is one way to build self-efficacy in your daily life?
By completing simple, daily quests that contribute to larger goals, like in a video game.
Why does Jane McGonigal suggest keeping score of your actions?
Keeping score helps track progress, reinforces memory, and enhances understanding of personal growth.
Fill-in-the-blank: Keeping score “burns the play into memory” and increases ________.
Knowledge and enjoyment of the activity.
How can you apply the concept of “experience points” (XP) in daily life?
By assigning XP to tasks based on their difficulty, e.g., journaling: 10 XP, reading: 12 XP, writing a proposal: 25 XP.
What role does social support play in achieving personal goals?
Social support makes it easier to achieve goals by making us stronger and more resilient through help from others.
Fill-in-the-blank: Having social support helps you achieve goals because your body becomes _______ when someone helps you.
Stronger and more resilient.
Name two ways to recruit allies to support your goals.
Asking a coworker for help or brainstorming with a friend over coffee.
What are “power-ups” in the context of McGonigal’s ideas?
Small actions that provide a mental, physical, or social boost, like eating walnuts, holding someone’s hand, or sending a text message.
Fill-in-the-blank: Listening to a favorite song is an example of a _______ power-up.
Mental.
Give two examples of social power-ups.
Holding someone’s hand for six seconds and sending a text message to a loved one.
Fill-in-the-blank: Doing ten push-ups, even when tired, is an example of a _______ power-up.
Physical.
What empowering message does Jane McGonigal give to individuals regarding their personal story?
“You are stronger than you know. You are surrounded by potential allies. You are the hero of your own story.”
