Get It Done

Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation

By: Ayelet Fishbach

Narrated by: Andrea Gallo

‘A compelling and revelatory new framework for setting and achieving your goals, from a psychologist on the cutting edge of motivational science’ – Carol Dweck, PhD, author of Mindset

'I don't know anyone who knows more than Ayelet Fishbach about the psychology of goals . . . I love this book and know you will, too' – Angela Duckworth, author of Grit

A great deal of ink has been spilled on the subject of motivating and influencing others, but what happens when the person you most want to influence is you? Setting and achieving goals for yourself – at work, at home, and in relationships – is harder than it seems. How do you know where to start? How do you carry on in the face of roadblocks and distractions? How do you decide which tasks and ambitions to prioritize when you’re faced with more responsibilities, needs and desires than you can keep track of?

In Get it Done, psychologist and behavioural scientist Ayelet Fishbach presents a new theoretical framework for self-motivated action, explaining how to identify the right goals, attack the ‘middle problem’, battle temptations, use the help of others around you and so much more.

With fascinating research from the field of motivation science and compelling stories of people who learned to motivate themselves, Get it Done illuminates invaluable strategies for pulling yourself in whatever direction you want to go – so you can achieve your goals while staying healthy, clearheaded and happy.

Critic reviews

Ayelet Fishbach is a leading expert on motivation—her research has consistently produced insights that are both surprising and useful. In this engaging book, she shows what it takes to close the gap between your intentions and your actions. (Adam Grant, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast WorkLife)

If we could ‘just do it,’ we wouldn’t need that advice. But why can’t we? And if we can’t just do it, then what should we do instead? In this smart, delightful, and important book, the world’s leading expert on the science of human motivation answers that question and more. What are you waiting for? Just read it! (Daniel Gilbert, New York Times-bestselling author of Stumbling on Happiness )

How do I love this book? Let me count the ways. First, its author. I don't know anyone, scientist or otherwise, who knows more than Ayelet Fishbach about the psychology of goals. Second, its practicality. Like anyone, I have dreams. Every chapter taught me about myself and how I could better frame my goals to make my dreams a reality. Third, the writing: clear, to-the-point and yet warm, intimate, and winningly honest. The list goes on but the point is that truly, I love this book and know you will, too. (Angela Duckworth, author of Grit)

Everyone wants to feel motivated to reach their goals with confidence and regularity. But most of us fail to do so. In this masterfully written and endlessly insightful book, Ayelet Fishbach charts a course for everyone to keep their motivation muscle in shape. (Francesca Gino, bestselling author of Rebel Talent)

Ayelet Fishbach is one of the most interesting psychologists of her generation. And she studies motivation, one of the most important topics in psychology. In this compelling book, Fishbach shows us how we can motivate ourselves—by changing our situations and the way we see them—to reach our goals in life. (Carol Dweck, PhD, author of Mindset)

Ayelet Fishbach’s innovative breakthroughs have revolutionized motivation science and shifted our understanding of how people reach their goals. This thoughtful, often funny, and always practical book puts those insights into concrete terms that each of us can apply in our own lives. Get It Done guides you through ways to effectively meet your goals – to pull yourself up out of the challenges of everyday life to accomplish difficult goals that, until now, may have eluded you. I can’t recommend Get It Done enough. It’s a must read. (Wendy Wood, author of Good Habits, Bad Habits)

Maybe the best book on human motivation

Very well articulated and covers some of the most interesting aspect of human behaviour around motivation. Must read