Defining motivation as a gap to an ideal self

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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