Why do some kids seem to spend so much time and energy avoiding work? It seems to make no sense, and it’s heartbreaking. These are all kids who are behind academically. Shouldn’t they be motivated to learn? Shouldn’t they want to put in tons of effort to improve? It’s like they’re dying of thirst and refusing water when we offer it. They’re going to exert effort one way or the other—why not spend energy trying to get better at something instead of avoiding it? Why are some students so highly skilled at self-sabotage?