Get It Done by Ayelet Fishbach Summary

Get It Done by Ayelet Fishbach is a research-backed guide to achieving goals by harnessing motivation science. It offers strategies for selecting meaningful objectives, sustaining focus, balancing competing priorities, and leveraging social support. The book emphasizes intrinsic motivation, progress tracking, and reframing tasks to overcome procrastination.

Professionals, students, and anyone seeking to improve productivity or navigate complex goals will benefit. Its blend of psychological insights and actionable advice makes it ideal for those interested in behavior change, leadership, or personal development. Fishbach’s academic rigor and accessible style cater to both casual readers and experts.

Yes. Fishbach, a leading motivation researcher, distills decades of studies into practical frameworks. The book stands out for its evidence-based approach to overcoming procrastination, optimizing incentives, and maintaining momentum. Readers praise its balance of depth and readability, with real-world examples and actionable steps.

Fishbach’s framework includes:

• Choosing goals (prioritizing intrinsic, exciting objectives).
• Sustaining motivation (via progress tracking and feedback).
• Managing multiple goals (balancing competing demands).
• Engaging social support (using accountability and shared purpose)

Intrinsic motivation involves pursuing activities as ends in themselves, driven by enjoyment or fulfillment rather than external rewards. Fishbach argues it’s critical for long-term success and suggests strategies like temptation bundling and focusing on immediate benefits to strengthen it.

• “Progress increases motivation”: Small wins build momentum.
• “Modify your behavior by modifying your situation”: Environment shapes actions.
• “Getting anywhere requires pulling”: Effort is non-negotiable for meaningful goals

The “middle problem” refers to motivation dips during lengthy tasks. Fishbach recommends recommitting to the goal’s purpose, breaking tasks into subgoals, and celebrating incremental progress to regain focus.

Yes. It offers tools for setting career milestones, overcoming setbacks, and aligning daily tasks with long-term aspirations. Tips on leveraging mentors and reframing challenges as growth opportunities are particularly applicable.

While both focus on behavior change, Get It Done emphasizes motivation science and goal-setting frameworks, whereas Atomic Habits targets habit formation. Fishbach’s approach is more academic, while Clear’s is anecdotal. They complement each other for holistic growth.

Some note its academic tone may overwhelm casual readers. Others suggest its social-motivation strategies require existing support networks. However, most praise its actionable insights and evidence-based methods.

Fishbach advises sharing goals to create accountability, partnering with like-minded peers, and framing group objectives around shared identity. Social rewards (e.g., recognition) amplify commitment.

Its focus on adaptability, remote work challenges, and maintaining motivation amid distractions aligns with modern productivity struggles. Updated examples and timeless principles ensure ongoing relevance.