The Unmistakable Creative Podcast Ayelet Fishbach: The Science of Motivation, Why Fantasies Fail, and Balancing Abstract Goals with Concrete Plans
Nov 12, 2025
Ayelet Fishbach, a motivation researcher and professor at the University of Chicago, dives into the psychology of goal-setting and motivation. She reveals why New Year’s resolutions often fail, linking them to the pitfalls of fantasizing rather than planning. Ayelet emphasizes the importance of balancing abstract 'why' questions with actionable 'how' steps to sustain motivation. She also explores the significance of specific feedback, the dynamics of the motivation curve, and the role of incentives in achieving goals, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to boost their effectiveness.
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Make Learning A 'Party' To Boost Effort
- In a Florida school, adding music, snacks, and colored pencils made math feel like a party and increased effort.
- Small environmental tweaks raised intrinsic motivation without changing the math content.
Phelps Visualization vs. Job Fantasies
- Gabrielle Oettingen's studies showed law students fantasizing about jobs sent fewer applications.
- Michael Phelps visualized problems (goggles filling) to prepare, not just winning gold.
Fantasies Undermine Action
- Fantasizing about success reduces motivation because it feels like the goal is already achieved.
- Concrete plans drive action by specifying steps like calling contacts or fixing a resume.
