Xiaofan's blog

Self-efficacy means believing in your own ability to succeed. In Expectancy-Value Theory, it is an important part of motivation. If you think you can do something, you are more likely to try, keep going, and not give up. Related ideas include a growth mindset (the belief that you can get better with effort), helplessness (feeling like you cannot succeed no matter what), and hope (believing you can act and find ways to reach your goals). In Harry Potter , Harry’s self-efficacy grows over time. At first, he doubts himself because he was told he wasn’t special. But each success, learning spells, playing Quidditch, and facing Voldemort, makes him believe in himself more. Support from teachers and friends also gives him confidence, and he learns to use his fear to keep moving forward. As his self-efficacy becomes stronger, Harry develops a growth mindset and hope for the future. He believes that with effort and help, he can always find a way to reach his goals. This belief motivates him...

 One clear example of appraisal and emotion in Harry Potter occurs when Harry learns about the prophecy that connects his fate to Voldemort’s. According to appraisal theories, emotions arise from how people evaluate a situation’s significance for their goals, values, and coping abilities. At first, Harry’s primary appraisal is that the prophecy is threatening and overwhelming—it determines that either he or Voldemort must die. This evaluation brings about emotions of fear, dread, and anxiety , because he perceives the event as life-threatening and beyond his control. Later, through secondary appraisal , Harry reconsiders his resources: he has loyal friends, mentors, and his own growing abilities. This reappraisal shifts his emotions to determination and courage , motivating him to act instead of withdraw. This process aligns with Lazarus’s appraisal theory, which emphasizes how emotions depend on the evaluation of relevance, coping potential, and alignment with personal values....

  I chose Harry Potter from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Harry’s main goal throughout the story is to defeat Voldemort and protect the wizarding world. Early on, his motivation comes from extrinsic factors like survival and protecting his friends. Over time, though, his goals shift toward intrinsic motivation,  living up to his identity, fulfilling his destiny, and making choices based on his own values. His journey shows how motivation can move from fear and necessity to purpose and self-actualization.

 When I was asked what perseverance was, I thought for a moment. Perseverance is not about never wavering. It is about hesitating, retreating, being distracted, stopping every few steps, and still moving forward.