The Science of Motivation | Ayelet Fishbach

Progress Tracking

Tracking progress is a powerful motivator, as Ayelet Fishbach explains. She highlights that monitoring progress can significantly boost motivation, especially when individuals see tangible results from their efforts. For instance, students are more likely to persist in their studies when they recognize their progress toward a degree 1. Fishbach suggests that novices should focus on what they have accomplished, while more experienced individuals should concentrate on what remains to be done. This approach helps maintain motivation by balancing satisfaction with aspiration 1.

The trick is to know whether to monitor your progress in terms of the amount of work that you have already done versus the amount of work that is still missing.

--- Ayelet Fishbach

Managing multiple goals can be challenging, but Fishbach offers strategies to navigate this complexity. She advises prioritizing goals and finding activities that serve multiple purposes, such as combining exercise with social interactions 2. This multifinal approach is particularly useful when resources are limited, allowing individuals to achieve more with less effort.

   

Feedback Value

Embracing feedback, particularly negative feedback, is crucial for success. Ayelet Fishbach emphasizes the value of negative feedback as a tool for learning and improvement. She notes that while it may be emotionally challenging, negative feedback provides essential lessons on what not to do, encouraging a mindset of learning by elimination 3.

When we get negative feedback, we learn how not to do something.

--- Ayelet Fishbach

Monitoring progress also plays a role in feedback, as it helps individuals assess their achievements and areas needing improvement. Fishbach explains that reflecting on what is still missing can inspire higher aspirations and drive future efforts 1. This dual focus on feedback and progress tracking fosters a continuous cycle of growth and motivation.