Best of: The future of motivation

We're here to wish you a very happy New Year! We hope you’re ringing in the new year in good health and looking forward to what’s ahead in 2026. As people are setting goals and making resolutions, we’re re-running an episode today on the future of motivation. Last year, we sat down with Szu-chi Huang, an expert in motivation. She explained how science is changing our understanding of goal-setting and achievement, and offered a few tricks you can try when you feel stuck. We hope you’ll tune in again today and pick up a few insights on how to sustain enthusiasm for your goals over time.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: ​​Szu-chi HuangConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces Szu-chi Huang, a professor of Marketing at Stanford GSB.(00:02:13) Studying MotivationSzu-chi shares what led her to study motivational science.(00:02:45) Defining MotivationMotivation as the drive to close the gap between current and ideal self.(00:03:39) The Science of MotivationStudying motivation through behavioral and neurological data.(00:04:30) Why It Matters in BusinessHow motivation science applies to leaders, teams, and customers.(00:05:21) The Motivation FrameworkThe strategies needed in order to stay motivated over time.(00:06:24) Journey vs. Destination MindsetThe different mindsets needed throughout the stages of motivation.(00:08:03) Motivating Kids to Choose HealthyCollaborating with UNICEF to study what motivates children.(00:09:37) Gamified Coupons in PanamaA study using gamified coupons to influence children's food choices.(00:13:08) Loyalty Programs as MotivationHow customer reward programs act as structured goal journeys.(00:15:29) Progress Versus PurposeThe different incentives needed in each stage of loyalty programs.(00:17:11) Retirement Saving LessonsHow financial institutions apply motivational science to long-term goals.(00:19:54) Motivation in Social ContextThe role of social connections in goal pursuit and sustaining motivation.(00:21:20) Support vs. Competition in Shared GoalsThe benefits and drawbacks of sharing goal journeys with others.(00:24:52) Designing Apps for MotivationHow redesigning user interfaces can help users stay motivated.(00:26:02) AI as a Motivation CoachUsing AI to personalize feedback across all stages of goal pursuit.(00:28:50) Starting and Sustaining a GoalPractical strategies for launching and sustaining a goal.(00:30:59) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.