Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Motivation is often misunderstood. We see it as a fleeting spark—something that comes and goes, something we chase when we feel stuck. But what if we could cultivate it deliberately? What if there were a framework, grounded in science, to set meaningful goals, tackle challenges, and stay on track no matter how demanding life gets?
In Get It Done, renowned psychologist and behavioral scientist Ayelet Fishbach unpacks the science of self-motivation. Building on groundbreaking research and real-life stories, the book presents actionable strategies to help you set goals, navigate challenges, and achieve success while maintaining balance in your life. Here’s an in-depth look at what Get It Done offers and how you can apply its lessons to live with purpose and clarity.
Why Motivation Fails—and How to Fix It
Carol Dweck, the famed author of Mindset, praises Fishbach’s work as “compelling,” and rightly so. Self-motivation is deceptively challenging. It’s not enough to want something; achieving it requires understanding your own behaviors, habits, and limitations. Fishbach’s framework provides a blueprint to tackle common pitfalls, including:
Starting Strong but Losing Steam: The excitement of setting a new goal often fades when reality hits.
The “Middle Problem”: Many people lose motivation halfway through a project or goal.
Battling Distractions and Temptations: In a world filled with endless distractions, staying focused feels impossible.
Struggling with Prioritization: When everything seems important, how do you know where to begin?
By addressing these challenges head-on, Fishbach empowers readers to stay motivated at work, at home, and in their personal relationships.
Key Lessons from Get It Done
1. Identify the Right Goals
The first step in achieving anything is clarity. Fishbach emphasizes the importance of setting the right goals—ones that are specific, meaningful, and aligned with your values. Ask yourself:
What is truly important to me?
Am I pursuing this goal for intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external) reasons?
Focusing on intrinsic goals—those that bring you joy, fulfillment, or purpose—creates a stronger foundation for success.
Takeaway: Define goals that matter. Instead of saying, “I want to get healthier,” try, “I will exercise three times a week for 30 minutes.”
2. Attack the “Middle Problem”
Starting is exciting, and finishing brings satisfaction—but the middle? That’s where most people stall. Fishbach refers to this as the “middle problem”: the slump that occurs midway through a task.
To overcome it:
Break goals into smaller milestones to create moments of progress.
Celebrate small wins along the way.
Keep visual reminders of the “why” behind your goals to stay focused.
By reframing the journey as a series of small victories, you regain momentum and avoid burnout.
Example: If your goal is to write a 10,000-word report, focus on completing 1,000 words at a time, rewarding yourself after each milestone.
3. Battle Temptations and Distractions
Distractions are everywhere—social media, procrastination, competing priorities. Fishbach shares proven methods to stay disciplined:
Temptation Bundling: Pair an enjoyable activity (listening to a podcast) with a task you tend to avoid (working out).
Remove Triggers: Limit access to distractions during focus time (e.g., use website blockers).
Commitment Devices: Hold yourself accountable by setting deadlines or sharing your goals with others.
Understanding your impulses helps you stay in control, turning temptations into tools rather than barriers.
Practical Tip: Replace, don’t eliminate. Swap a mindless scrolling habit with a productive “micro-task,” like reading one chapter or organizing a workspace.
4. Leverage the Power of Others
You don’t have to go it alone. Motivation thrives when we enlist the support of others. Fishbach highlights the benefits of seeking help, collaborating, and creating accountability.
Surround yourself with people who inspire and encourage you.
Share your goals publicly to strengthen commitment.
Learn to accept constructive feedback as a tool for growth.
Research shows that the presence of accountability partners increases the likelihood of goal achievement significantly.
Action Step: Partner with a friend or mentor who can cheer you on and check in regularly.
Motivation Meets Science
What makes Get It Done stand out is its scientific foundation. Fishbach draws on decades of research in motivation science, exploring the psychological factors that drive (or hinder) human behavior. Readers gain insights into:
How habits are formed and broken.
Why self-control is a muscle that can be strengthened.
How representation and reflection sharpen our ability to reason and act.
Fishbach’s approachable writing style and use of real-life examples make complex theories easy to grasp and apply.
Why You Should Read Get It Done
Ayelet Fishbach doesn’t just provide tools—she transforms the way you think about goals and motivation. Whether you’re a professional striving for career success, a parent juggling responsibilities, or someone seeking personal growth, Get It Done offers:
Practical Strategies: Actionable steps to implement immediately.
Science-Backed Insights: Groundbreaking research to understand your behavior.
Inspiring Stories: Real-world examples of people who overcame obstacles to achieve greatness.
By applying Fishbach’s framework, you’ll learn to motivate yourself with intention, tackle challenges confidently, and achieve results that matter.
Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Success
Self-motivation is a skill, not a personality trait. With the right tools and mindset, anyone can learn to overcome distractions, prioritize effectively, and stay committed to their goals. Ayelet Fishbach’s Get It Done is more than just a book—it’s a guide to living purposefully, achieving success, and enjoying the journey along the way.
If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start achieving what truly matters, this book is for you.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
