The Science of Motivation & Achieving Goals - Dr Emily Balcetis, PhD

Dr Emily Balcetis is a social psychologist and Professor of Psychology at New York University, whose research focuses on how our visual perception influences motivation, and how we can leverage the cognitive biases inherent in the human mind in a way that makes us more effective at achieving long term goals. She has written 74 scientific publications, given two TED talks, and is the author of the 2020 book: Clearer, Closer, Better.
This conversation provides an introduction into some of the key insights from Dr Balcetis’ research, including:
- How our everyday perceptions can be thought of as illusions of the mind
- Why positive visualisation and vision boards can actually be counterproductive when pursuing goals
- How to use “framing”, a narrow focus, “widening the bracket”, and materialisation to achieve goals
- How Michael Phelps uses “foreshadowing failure” to succeed and how you can too.
- The crucial link between systolic blood pressure and motivation
And more.
You can learn more about Dr Balcetis pioneering research by going to: www.spamlabresearch.com.
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Over the last 20 years, Dr Emily Balcetis has become one of the most sought-after voices on motivation science, researching the factors that contribute to differences in judgments and behaviors among individuals. She delivers lectures, offers training and keynoting hundreds of programs and events at secondary schools, colleges, universities, community organizations, and corporations on the social, cognitive, and motivational mechanisms that lead impact obstacles and successes as people pursue their goals. She is also a frequent commentator on media, blogs, and podcasts, delivering a voice filled with knowledge and respect for the varied challenges people face.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:31 - Visual Perception Dive
06:21 - Leveraging Cognitive Biases
12:35 - Dream-Action Fusion for Peak Performance
23:54 - Mastering Goal-Setting
32:20 - Scientist's Quest for Balance
43:19 - Conquering Midpoint Challenges
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Interview Links:
- Dr Balcetis’ website: www.spamlabresearch.com
- Dr Balcetis’ books: amzn.to/3SfrUtO

[@cckcb23]

The test on attractiveness is also whack.. that’s personal opinion and perception.. so for a scientist to say they chose the less attractive… is also an opinion.. 😂 I keep hearing bs fails… 😅not proves projection is real. 👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽

[@cckcb23]

The example of illusion was also terrible. No one thinks that this realm is an illusion along the context of thinking “I think I’m walking and talking to my husband but in reality it’s the housekeeper”… ma’am… 👎🏽👎🏽

[@cckcb23]

I’m sorry but that was a terrible explanation about the colored dress. No one was contemplating the lighting. They saw what they saw. Period…