Giving A Rat's Ass

My son's teachers' feedback is this:

While somehow he manages to pull good grades out of his ass, he does not do the work or put in the effort.

Now, this is an old problem...and I won't go into the long discussion on the various things his mother has attempted or thinks. But I know, I know exaclty what the problem is...and it's hereditary...he gets it honest, directly down from me and my father (not sure about his father etc...nor am I sure about my mother's side)--but I do know me and my father.

Basically, when we are not interested in something, we just don't give a rat's ass about it.

Neither stick nor carrot will change the behavior, nor adjusting his medication or changing it. I believe he suffers from:
The Jonah Syndrome (Maslow's)--go down to section VII

I believe this trait is hereditary, just as other personality traits can be (including, to give an example, the dislike of organized religion--got that one too--look it up if you don't believe me--you can find a reference to it in Judith Rich Harris' second book No Two Alike.)

But the question does remain and haunts my thoughts--how, how to get him not to suffer like I did growing up and continue to battle? How? Yes, how?

And so, that got me wondering about the Strengths Movement--I need to read the book, but perhaps this might help him. I don't know if I think it's a catch all for all kids but for some, there is value, plus I certainly don't see a down side. I will need to do some investigating.