Best of: The future of motivation
The Future of Everything
Why Szu-chi studies motivation
Szu-chi explains her personal struggles in grad school that led her to research sustaining motivation scientifically.
We're here to wish you a very happy New Year! We hope you’re ringing in the new year in good health and looking forward to what’s ahead in 2026. As people are setting goals and making resolutions, we’re re-running an episode today on the future of motivation. Last year, we sat down with Szu-chi Huang, an expert in motivation. She explained how science is changing our understanding of goal-setting and achievement, and offered a few tricks you can try when you feel stuck. We hope you’ll tune in again today and pick up a few insights on how to sustain enthusiasm for your goals over time.
Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.
Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford Profile: Szu-chi Huang
Connect With Us:
- Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
- Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
- Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces Szu-chi Huang, a professor of Marketing at Stanford GSB.
(00:02:13) Studying Motivation
Szu-chi shares what led her to study motivational science.
(00:02:45) Defining Motivation
Motivation as the drive to close the gap between current and ideal self.
(00:03:39) The Science of Motivation
Studying motivation through behavioral and neurological data.
(00:04:30) Why It Matters in Business
How motivation science applies to leaders, teams, and customers.
(00:05:21) The Motivation Framework
The strategies needed in order to stay motivated over time.
(00:06:24) Journey vs. Destination Mindset
The different mindsets needed throughout the stages of motivation.
(00:08:03) Motivating Kids to Choose Healthy
Collaborating with UNICEF to study what motivates children.
(00:09:37) Gamified Coupons in Panama
A study using gamified coupons to influence children's food choices.
(00:13:08) Loyalty Programs as Motivation
How customer reward programs act as structured goal journeys.
(00:15:29) Progress Versus Purpose
The different incentives needed in each stage of loyalty programs.
(00:17:11) Retirement Saving Lessons
How financial institutions apply motivational science to long-term goals.
(00:19:54) Motivation in Social Context
The role of social connections in goal pursuit and sustaining motivation.
(00:21:20) Support vs. Competition in Shared Goals
The benefits and drawbacks of sharing goal journeys with others.
(00:24:52) Designing Apps for Motivation
How redesigning user interfaces can help users stay motivated.
(00:26:02) AI as a Motivation Coach
Using AI to personalize feedback across all stages of goal pursuit.
(00:28:50) Starting and Sustaining a Goal
Practical strategies for launching and sustaining a goal.
(00:30:59) Conclusion
Connect With Us:
Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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