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Need Achievement Theory
As a child I was not a good student, I suffered from attention deficit hyper
disorder or ADHD. I was diagnosed with this in the seventh grade as a 12-year-old. Prior
to the diagnoses my teachers would just tell my parents that I was lazy and did not apply
myself. I grew up in a good home with very good Christian parents, but they believed in
the spare the rod way of raising children. I was spanked and punished my entire
childhood for something I could not control. In turn I started to hate school and especially
reading. I never believed that I would continue past high school, and my parents, well
they just wanted me to live to see eighteen. As an adult I have had children of my own
and I never wanted them to experience what I did, having a hatred for school. I told
myself I cannot hold them to a standard the I have not held myself to. This is why I have
chosen the need achievement theory for my drive.
My Kids
I have 7 children from the age of twenty-eight, down to the age of seven, all have
such different personalities and experiences. My youngest is Jacob and that boy is just
like I was as a child. He does not have the ability to sit still or focus on anything, he is
very loving and has an amazing imagination. He is my mini me, I now know what I put
my parents through daily. Jacob struggles with reading mostly but is great at math and
working through problems. I always want to show him that he never needs to feel like
giving up and if I finish what I have started I can be that example making this a need for
achievement. I believe the greatest way to raise a family is by setting good examples, it
can be shown with a good work ethic, and a desire and drive to continue learning.
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What will this gain me in the long run?
The original reason or purpose of me going back to school is a silly one honestly
in my opinion, and that is simply because everyone said I wouldn’t, or couldn’t finish and
get a degree. I was a prideful desire which I know now is not Christ like. I started to
reevaluate the situation and I took seven years off. I focused on my family and career,
during this time my wife of nineteen years decided that she no longer wanted to be
married. I was crushed, but I had to be strong for my children. I focused on them and
their sports and school and just spending time with them. I have since remarried and
found what true happiness is, but I was still missing something. I had this burning desire
to complete what I started. I had the need for achievement to show my kids anything is
possible. I also am coming to the end of my career and needed my next step.
My purpose!
As I look at the figure in the text I see the word purpose in the middle, there are
arrows coming off the word going different directions. One says what you give the world
and the other what the world gives you. This is an interesting thought; I want to give the
world my prepared children and my whereabouts a happier place for others around. I also
want to continue giving back to the community. Finishing my degree will give me the
knowledge and certification I need not only to do the above but support my family. As I
have stated above my family is my passion, my mission is to not only serve and support
my family but Jesus Christ, this is why I transferred to Liberty; I wanted to get a
Christian education. This leads to the vocation and profession, I have given 28 years to
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the Army and I know completing my degree will allow me to take the next step as a post
soldier and move into the civilian employment world.
By staying focused and completing my degree I will complete the need I have to
achieve my goals to support my family. I will also be able to be a role model for Jacob
following in my footsteps. I need to Achieve these goals.
References
Shawn George, B. K. (2023). Introduction to Psychology from a Christian Worldview. Dubuque: Kendall
Hunt Publishing Company.
