Productivity after Summer break ! It’s Not About Changing Who You Are—It’s About Changing Your Environment

How to Rekindle Your Motivation After Summer Break by Ayelet Fishbach

As summer ends, we return to work or school with new goals. But staying motivated during this transition can be challenging, often leading to procrastination and anxiety. If you're struggling to stay focused, you're not alone!

We recently came acrross an insightful TEDx talk by Ayelet Fishbach , a behavioral scientist from the University of Chicago, who has spent over 20 years studying what drives success in goal pursuit.

Here’s what Ayelet and science suggest for staying motivated:

1. Look Back to Move Forward

When you’re in the thick of chasing a goal, it’s easy to focus only on what remains to be done. However, research shows that reflecting on past achievements can be a powerful motivator!

For instance, a study she conducted found that people waiting in long lines at an amusement park felt more motivated to continue waiting when they looked back at how far they’d come, rather than focusing on the wait ahead. The same principle applies to your goals—whether it’s a project at work or studying for an exam, take time to acknowledge your progress.

This simple shift in perspective can boost your motivation to keep going.

2. The “Middle Problem” and How to Overcome It

We’ve all been there—enthusiastic at the start of a new project or goal, but as time goes on, that initial excitement fades. This phenomenon, known as the “middle problem,” is common in goal pursuit. Our motivation tends to dip in the middle of a task, only to pick up again as we near the finish line. The key to overcoming this is to keep the “middles” short.

No secret here : Break your long-term goals into smaller, more manageable.

For example, if you’re aiming to eat healthier, set a weekly goal instead of a monthly one.

3. Turn Negative Feedback into a Learning Tool

Negative feedback is tough—it can"hurts" the ego and make us feel like we’re failing. But within that feedback lies valuable lessons, if we’re willing to learn from them. The problem is, many of us tune out when faced with criticism, missing out on opportunities to improve. One effective strategy to counter this is to give advice to others. Research shows that when we help others with their challenges—whether it’s studying, job hunting, or adopting healthier habits—we not only reinforce our own learning but also boost our motivation to apply those lessons to our own lives.

4. Support Your Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation—pursuing activities because they’re enjoyable in themselves—is a powerful driver of success. When you’re intrinsically motivated, the activity feels like a reward in itself, making it easier to stick with it. For instance, if you genuinely enjoy your workout routine, you’re more likely to maintain it over time. But too often, we choose tasks based on external rewards rather than what we truly enjoy. In one of her experiment, people were given the choice between listening to a pleasant song and an annoying alarm. Surprisingly, many chose the alarm because it offered a monetary reward. However, those who opted for the song reported greater satisfaction. The lesson here is to select activities that you find personally fulfilling—this way, motivation will come naturally.

5. Reframe Your Setbacks as Opportunities for Growth

It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned, but the way you interpret these setbacks can make all the difference. Instead of seeing them as a reflection of your abilities, view them as a lack of progress that can be corrected with more effort. For example, if you missed a workout or didn’t hit a project milestone, don’t think of it as a sign of personal failure. Instead, use it as motivation to double down and push forward. This shift in mindset—from “I’m not committed enough” to “I need to try harder”—can significantly increase your motivation.

6. Use Positive Motivation and Approach-Oriented Goals

When setting goals, aim for positive, approach-oriented goals (e.g., “I want to eat more vegetables” instead of “I need to stop eating junk food”). Positive goals are generally more motivating and sustainable in the long run. They keep you focused on what you want to achieve rather than what you want to avoid, making the process more enjoyable and less stressful.

It’s Not About Changing Who You Are—It’s About Changing Your Environment

The key takeaway from behavioral science is this: success doesn’t require you to change your personality. Instead, focus on altering your environment and how you perceive your goals.

We wish you a good, productive season with a fresh perspective and renewed energy!

M.L.I Team