Episode 2: Near Victories

Near Wins

Shankar Vedantam explores the intriguing psychology behind near wins and their impact on motivation. Monica Wadhwa, a marketing professor, shares insights from her research, revealing that almost winning can drive people to strive harder for success. She recounts a childhood experience where nearly winning motivated her to excel in exams, illustrating how this phenomenon can intensify motivation and lead to seeking other rewards 1.

When you get closer to a reward, your motivation intensifies as you approach the reward. But when you miss it, you have this intensified motivational state, which is not satisfied now.

--- Monica Wadhwa

This concept extends beyond personal experiences, influencing consumer behavior and even parenting strategies, as Shankar suggests that not always achieving a goal can be more motivating than constant success 2 3.

   

Experimental Insights

Experiments conducted by Monica Wadhwa and her colleagues highlight the powerful effects of near wins on motivation and spending behavior. In one study, participants who nearly won a game were more eager to pursue unrelated rewards, such as a chocolate bar, demonstrating the spillover effect of near wins 1. Daniel Pink discusses similar findings in charitable giving, where donations increase as fundraisers approach their goals, emphasizing the motivational boost of nearing success 4.

As people got closer to their stated goal, giving went dramatically up.

--- Daniel Pink

These insights reveal that near wins can create a heightened state of motivation, encouraging individuals to continue striving for success, whether in personal achievements or financial contributions 5.