Bandura’s (2001) presentation of social cognitive theory shows the complicated systems of the human consciousness by highlighting the many avenues of experiences one can have. Thinking is a part of the human experience. Social cognitive theory explores how thinking is developed through the influence of one’s environment. When we start to look at what makes someone successful, we are exploring more than just the cause and effect of outside stimuli, we must examine a whole picture of what determines this success (Bandura, 2001). We also explore what drives behavior through human thinking and reasoning. Bandura’s (2001) explanation of self-efficacy suggest that success takes planning, goal setting, and self motivation to encourage oneself to overcome.
Through this experience of my doctoral journey to achieve this degree, I understand how important it is to be around a group of like minded individuals with similar goals. More important than being in this type of environment, is to be aware of the unique opportunities of learning available in such a potential filled space of growth. If one does not appreciate his space of growth, he might miss the opportunity to learn from his environment. If one does not know where he is going, then how can he know what he is supposed to be learning? Hence, I agree with Bandura (2001) and the importance of having a mindset to think through planning, to be a self motivator, and to be able to self-reflect. These are the tools that I plan to hone in on and grow in. These are necessary to be successful in my plans to achieve. One cannot grow in an environment where there is no food to feed him, and so it is with the knowledge that we are receiving from this program. The capacity to observe and absorb the information will only grow through using tools such as setting goals (more importantly writing them down), knowing your reason why (your true motivation) and self-reflection (journaling/review/ meditation). These are the tools that I am going to use to constantly grow in my academic research and writing.
Bandura, A. (2001). Social cognitive theory: An agentic perspective. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 1-26. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/docview/205845107?accountid=7374
