“Self-control is a form of juggling multiple, opposing goals. If the first goal opposes the other, the second goal is what we call temptation. When people are aware that they have the temptation they are better prepared mentally (and often physically) to resist.” - Dr. Ayelet Fishbach

• What makes a goal attainable?
• When does progressing toward a goal make it harder to complete?
• What elements go into a successful behavior change?
• How can negative feedback be reframed for progress?
• How can we overcome our own mental barriers to achieve our goals?

The Art of Goal Setting

Know your “why.” Get specific. Be flexible. Stay enthusiastic. Control your environment. Avoid the middle at all costs. Goal setting is not as easy as it seems. A bandwagon resolution made at the onset of the new year is unlikely to be successful. How to set a better, achievable goal? Framing it properly, selecting mentors, and knowing your position in the journey are a few major factors in hitting the target.

Dr. Ayelet Fishbach, author of nearly 150 publications in the past two decades, is THE expert on the psychology behind motivation. Her most recent book, “Get it Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation” offers a synthesis of her most valuable and actionable lessons — demystifying the ever elusive “goal.”

Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Ayelet is a recipient of numerous awards and honors; chief among them: Fulbright Scholar, IBM Corporation Faculty Scholar, and the Society of Experimental Social Psychology (SESP) Career Trajectory Award.

We cover the psychology behind establishing proper incentives for employees, why feeling good can make all the difference, intrinsic motivation as a lasting catalyst for change, and the willingness to be uncomfortable.

Grow Through It

For high performing attorneys and experts in their field, setbacks can be discouraging. Adopting a growth mindset is essential to completing a goal. When committed to completing a goal, curiosity transforms a potential failure into a “why” that requires further exploration.

Key Takeaways:

• Take control. Always begin with your environment. Remove temptations. Set aside physical and mental space for your goals.
• Choose wisely. Rarely do we win — or fail — alone. Surround yourself with people who encourage and support you in your goals. Find a community that will keep you accountable.
• Feel good. The deeper the intrinsic motivation, the more likely a goal is to be reached. Make sure the goal you are striving for is one you truly desire.

Links and Resources

• The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
• Michael Mogill Facebook
• Michael Mogill Twitter
• Michael Mogill Instagram
• Michael Mogill LinkedIn
• Crisp Website
• Crisp Facebook
• Crisp Twitter
• Crisp Instagram
• Crisp LinkedIn
• Ayelet Fishbach Website
• Ayelet Fishbach LinkedIn
• Ayelet Fishbach Twitter
• Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation