The science of getting motivated | Ayelet Fishbach | TEDxChicago

Ayelet Fishbach uses humor and personal stories to illustrate how you could apply the lessons of motivation science to your own life. She explains why you’ll stick to the goals you look forward to doing more than those you wish you had already done. You’ll hear about the middle problem and how to stay motivated over long stretches. You’ll learn to juggle goals instead of pursuing them sequentially—after all, you can’t wait to retire to start a family. You’ll figure out how to battle temptations by anticipating them in advance and what made Marie and Pierre Curie such a great couple (they supported each other’s goals). You’ll learn how her dog helped her motivation. Her stories illustrate how to set goals, sustain your motivation, juggle goals, and leverage social support. Her research will make you wiser and, hence, more motivated. Ayelet Fishbach, PhD, is the Jeffrey B. Keller Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. She is a distinguished expert on motivation and decision making, having authored books, articles, as well as earning numerous prestigious awards for her research including the Society of Experimental Social Psychology’s Best Dissertation Award and the Society of Consumer Psychology’s Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award. In her book, “GET IT DONE: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation,“ Ayelet combines her expertise with personal stories to offer practical insights on goal setting, sustaining motivation, and leveraging social support. Ayelet has also served as the president of the Society for the Science of Motivation and the International Social Cognition Network. Motivation, Achievement, Future Best Self This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at