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TED Talks Daily

How to set the right goals and stay motivated | Ayelet Fishbach

Aug 19, 2024
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.
17:49

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Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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