Note sull'episodio
How do we know whether continuing is an act of meaningful perseverance—or evidence that we’re having difficulty letting go?
In this episode of The Original Self Podcast, Evet DeCota examines that question through her own experience of creating a podcast while watching analytics that do not always reflect the time, thought, and effort behind the work.
Then an unexpected message arrives. Someone shares that an episode helped them recognize a pattern, change their perspective, or take action—and suddenly, continuing feels worthwhile again.
Psychology calls this broader pattern intermittent reinforcement. Within B. F. Skinner’s framework, it can resemble a variable-ratio schedule of reinforcement: the reward arrives after an unpredictable number of attempts. Because we never know which attempt may produce the next reward, the behavior can become remarkably persistent.
But reinforcement is only part of the story.
Evet also explores Edward Deci and Richard Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory, the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and the psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. A thoughtful response from another person may act as an external reward, but it can also reconnect us to our purpose and show us that our efforts are having a meaningful effect.
The real question may not be whether our motivation is intrinsic or extrinsic. Both can exist at the same time. The more revealing question is: Which motivation is making the decision?
This episode explores how to distinguish commitment from attachment, why “maybe” can keep us invested, and how healthy persistence allows us to change the strategy without abandoning the purpose. Because persistence is not the same as repetition.
In This Episode
· Why unpredictable rewards can make behavior especially persistent
· Intermittent reinforcement and variable-ratio schedules
· Why “maybe” can be more difficult to leave than a definite no
· The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
· How autonomy, competence, and relatedness support motivation
· When outside feedback reconnects us to purpose
· How measurements can begin determining the value we assign to our work
· Why adjusting the plan does not necessarily mean giving up
About Evet DeCota
Evet DeCota is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and holds a B.A. in Psychology. She is the founder of DeCota Life Coaching and the host of The Original Self Podcast.
Her psychology-informed coaching draws upon positive psychology, behavior change, emotional regulation, curiosity, and nearly four decades of experience listening closely to people. Her work helps people navigate change, strengthen self-trust, build confidence, and reconnect with who they truly are.
Connect With Evet
Website: decotalifecoaching.com
Email: decotalifecoaching@gmail.com
Social media:
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evet-decota-icf-acc-09504b337/