Ayelet Fishbach – Get It Done: Summary with Audio

Book Info

• Book name: Get It Done
• Author: Ayelet Fishbach, PhD
• Genre: Business & Economics, Psychology, Self-Help & Personal Development
• Published Year: 2023
• Language: English
• Awards: Gold Winner of the 2023 Nautilus Book Prize

Audio Summary

Synopsis

In “Get It Done”, renowned motivation scientist Ayelet Fishbach offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and harnessing the power of motivation. Drawing from her extensive research and real-world examples, Fishbach provides readers with practical strategies to set effective goals, maintain momentum, and overcome common obstacles. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to boost their productivity, achieve personal growth, and turn their aspirations into reality.

Key Takeaways

• Frame goals as ends in themselves rather than means to another goal
• Use both “glass half full” and “glass half empty” perspectives to track progress
• Overcome the “middle problem” by breaking large goals into smaller, manageable tasks
• Cultivate a growth mindset to learn from failures and setbacks
• Leverage social facilitation and role models to boost motivation

My Summary

Unlocking the Secrets of Motivation: A Deep Dive into “Get It Done”

As a long-time book blogger and self-proclaimed master procrastinator, I approached Ayelet Fishbach’s “Get It Done” with both excitement and a healthy dose of skepticism. Could this book really provide the answers to my perpetual struggle with motivation? As it turns out, the answer is a resounding yes.

The Science Behind Motivation

Fishbach, a renowned expert in the field of motivation science, brings a refreshing academic perspective to the self-help genre. Her approach is grounded in rigorous research, yet presented in a way that’s accessible and engaging for the average reader. As I delved into the book, I found myself nodding along, recognizing patterns in my own behavior that I had never fully understood before.

One of the most intriguing concepts Fishbach introduces is the idea of “temptation bundling.” This strategy involves pairing a task you need to do with something you enjoy. For instance, I’ve started listening to my favorite podcasts only while doing household chores. It’s a simple trick, but I’ve found it remarkably effective in making less enjoyable tasks more palatable.

Goal Setting: The Foundation of Success

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the art of goal setting. Fishbach argues that how we frame our goals can make a tremendous difference in our ability to achieve them. She advises setting goals that are:

• Framed as ends in themselves
• Abstract, but not too vague
• Focused on “do” rather than “don’t”
• Challenging, measurable, and actionable

This advice resonated with me deeply. I realized that many of my past goals had been too vague or focused on avoiding something rather than achieving something positive. Armed with this new understanding, I’ve started reframing my goals, and I’m already seeing a difference in my motivation levels.

The Power of Progress Tracking

Another key insight from “Get It Done” is the importance of tracking progress. Fishbach introduces the concept of the “goal gradient effect,” which explains why we tend to work harder as we get closer to our goals. This phenomenon is why those loyalty stamp cards at coffee shops are so effective – the closer we get to that free coffee, the more motivated we become to complete the card.

Fishbach suggests using both “glass half full” and “glass half empty” perspectives when tracking progress. For new or uncertain tasks, focusing on how far you’ve come can be motivating. For tasks where you’re already committed, focusing on what’s left to do can provide that final push. This dual approach has helped me stay motivated throughout different stages of my projects.

Overcoming the “Middle Problem”

One of the most valuable sections of the book for me was the discussion of the “middle problem.” This is the phenomenon where motivation tends to lag in the middle of a project or goal. Fishbach explains this using the “small area principle” – at the beginning and end of a task, we can easily see our progress, but in the middle, everything looks equally far away.

To combat this, Fishbach suggests breaking larger goals into smaller, more manageable chunks. For instance, instead of having a monthly exercise goal, set weekly goals. This approach has been a game-changer for me, especially when tackling large writing projects that used to overwhelm me.

Learning from Failure

One aspect of “Get It Done” that I particularly appreciated was Fishbach’s approach to failure. Rather than viewing setbacks as defeats, she encourages readers to see them as learning opportunities. This aligns with the concept of a “growth mindset,” which has been popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck.

Fishbach’s advice to give advice even when you’re struggling with a task yourself was particularly intriguing. I’ve found that explaining a concept to someone else often helps solidify my own understanding and motivation. It’s a reminder that we often know more than we give ourselves credit for.

The Social Aspect of Motivation

The book also delves into the social aspects of motivation, discussing concepts like social facilitation and the importance of role models. Fishbach’s research shows that we tend to work harder when others are watching, even if it’s just a picture of eyes on the wall. This insight has led me to seek out more opportunities for collaborative work and accountability partnerships.

Practical Applications in Daily Life

Throughout “Get It Done,” Fishbach provides numerous practical applications of her research. Here are a few that I’ve found particularly useful:

• Using temporal landmarks (like Mondays or birthdays) as “fresh starts” to boost motivation
• Creating immediate mini-goals to make long-term goals feel more achievable
• Embracing uncertainty and variability in rewards to maintain interest
• Focusing on the intrinsic enjoyment of tasks rather than just external rewards
• Leveraging the power of commitment devices to stay on track

These strategies have helped me tackle everything from daily household tasks to long-term career goals with renewed energy and focus.

A New Perspective on Productivity

As I reflect on “Get It Done,” I’m struck by how it’s changed my perspective on productivity and motivation. Fishbach’s approach isn’t about forcing yourself to work harder or longer. Instead, it’s about understanding the psychological mechanisms behind motivation and using them to your advantage.

This book has made me realize that motivation isn’t just about willpower or discipline. It’s a complex interplay of goal setting, progress tracking, social influences, and psychological factors. By understanding these elements, we can create environments and strategies that naturally boost our motivation.

Comparing “Get It Done” to Other Productivity Books

Having read my fair share of productivity books, I found “Get It Done” to be refreshingly different. Unlike many books in this genre that rely heavily on anecdotes or one-size-fits-all solutions, Fishbach’s work is grounded in scientific research. Yet, it manages to avoid being dry or overly academic.

Compared to popular titles like “Atomic Habits” by James Clear or “Deep Work” by Cal Newport, “Get It Done” offers a more comprehensive look at the psychology of motivation. While those books focus more on habit formation and concentration respectively, Fishbach’s work provides a broader framework for understanding and enhancing motivation across various aspects of life.

Potential Limitations and Room for Improvement

While I found “Get It Done” incredibly insightful, it’s worth noting that some readers might find the scientific approach a bit heavy at times. Additionally, while Fishbach provides many practical strategies, some readers might prefer even more concrete, step-by-step action plans.

Final Thoughts and Open Questions

As I close the final pages of “Get It Done,” I’m left with a sense of empowerment and curiosity. Fishbach’s work has given me a new set of tools to tackle my goals, but it’s also opened up new questions. How might these motivation strategies evolve in an increasingly digital world? How can we apply these principles to address larger societal challenges?

I’d love to hear from you, my fellow readers. How have you struggled with motivation in the past? Which of Fishbach’s strategies resonate most with you? Let’s continue this conversation and support each other in our journey to “get it done.”