Yes, to your substantive point, learning is easy (comparatively) when the motivation is intrinsic. Trying to preserve intrinsic motivation in my four children is why I keep slogging along in homeschooling.
I had no competitive sports involvement in my youth, nor did my wife, but we've encouraged our children all to be involved in our local soccer club, and I LOVE that they have had early experience in shrugging off defeats and continuing to improve their skills on the field. One loss (or even a bunch of losses) does not end a playing career.
http://quoteinvestigator.com/2013/03/28/mind-fire/
Yes, to your substantive point, learning is easy (comparatively) when the motivation is intrinsic. Trying to preserve intrinsic motivation in my four children is why I keep slogging along in homeschooling.
I had no competitive sports involvement in my youth, nor did my wife, but we've encouraged our children all to be involved in our local soccer club, and I LOVE that they have had early experience in shrugging off defeats and continuing to improve their skills on the field. One loss (or even a bunch of losses) does not end a playing career.