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Kickstart the New Year and Achieve Your Goals | Ayelet Fishbach

Happy New Year, Groovers!

The start of a new year often brings fresh goals, ambitious resolutions, and a renewed sense of motivation. But what’s the psychology behind this goal-oriented mindset? In our first episode of the year, we’re joined by Dr. Ayelet Fishbach, a renowned expert in behavioral science, to explore the science of achieving goals and rethink the traditional belief that success is all about willpower.

Dr. Fishbach delves into the nuances of intrinsic motivation, explaining why it often triumphs over external rewards and rigid targets. She shares actionable strategies for overcoming common obstacles that derail progress, from navigating the “problem of the middle” to revising goals as we grow. Plus, she sheds light on how we can make goals not just a means to an end but an engaging and enjoyable part of life.

Whether you’re a leader looking to energize your team, a professional pursuing career aspirations, or someone striving to stay on track with personal resolutions, this episode will inspire you to think differently about motivation. Discover how to align your efforts with purpose, make progress more enjoyable, and build lasting momentum to achieve meaningful goals in the year ahead.

©2025 Behavioral Grooves

Topics

[0:00] Motivation and Willpower – a New Perspective with Ayelet Fishbach

[3:19] The Marshmallow Test and Its Misinterpretation

[7:52] Meta Motivation and Its Implications

[14:28] The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

[18:17] Problems Around Goal Achievement

[32:41] The Important of Aspirational Goals

[42:58] Strategies for Overcoming the Problem of “the Middle”

[48:33] Key Takeaways

Other Episodes for Grooving

Ep. 433 – Healthy Habits Made Simple | Monica Reinagel

Ep. 311 – How Do Incentives Actually Impact Motivation? | Dr Indranil Goswami PhD