How to set the right goals and stay motivated | Ayelet Fishbach
Aug 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Ayelet Fishbach, a seasoned scientist with 20 years of expertise in motivation research, reveals valuable insights on how to effectively motivate yourself. She emphasizes that motivation isn't just found; it's cultivated. Topics include reframing motivation, the significance of enjoyable goals, and the role of intrinsic motivation in maintaining enthusiasm. Fishbach also discusses embracing discomfort for growth and balancing personal and professional ambitions, illustrating her points with relatable anecdotes and practical strategies.
Motivation is more about knowledge and perception than a personal trait, emphasizing the importance of adjusting our mindset towards goals.
Establishing enjoyable goals and leveraging social support significantly enhances motivation, helping individuals overcome challenges throughout their journey.
Deep dives
Understanding Motivation
Motivation is often misunderstood as a personal trait akin to a muscle, but it is actually more about knowledge and understanding. Ayelet Fishbach emphasizes that motivation is not something we lose; rather, it is how we perceive and approach our goals that influences our motivation levels. This means that improving one's motivation involves either adjusting external circumstances or altering one's mindset towards those circumstances. Establishing clear, enjoyable goals that we genuinely look forward to is crucial, as intrinsic excitement significantly predicts our ability to sustain motivation over time.
Navigating the Middle Problem
Individuals often experience a decline in motivation during the middle phases of pursuing their goals, a phenomenon known as the 'middle problem.' Fishbach suggests breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable increments, as this can help sustain motivation throughout the journey. For example, promoting shorter exercise goals rather than long-term ones can improve adherence, as motivation tends to wane without satisfying checkpoints. Furthermore, removing the ego from the equation when faced with setbacks enables a more constructive learning experience, allowing individuals to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than failures.
The Role of Social Support
Social support is pivotal for maintaining motivation and can affect goal achievement profoundly. Fishbach highlights the importance of strong relationships with friends and family, as they can provide encouragement and accountability. She illustrates this with the story of Marie Curie, whose husband Pierre's support allowed her to excel in her groundbreaking scientific work, leading to multiple Nobel Prizes. Recognizing that achieving personal goals often involves a collective effort can enhance motivation and foster a sense of purpose, making the pursuit of ambitions more fulfilling and enjoyable.
You can't just "find" motivation, says scientist Ayelet Fishbach — you have to learn how to motivate yourself. She shares a handful of tips backed by 20 years of motivation research, offering surprisingly simple wisdom on how to optimize your goals, set yourself up for success and avoid the tempting calls of procrastination.