Ayelet Fishbach

Well, motivation is going to be high when we just start on something and toward the end, but it will decline in the middle.

We call it the middle problem.

My friend might start her project with much enthusiasm, then her motivation will decline.

Toward the deadline, it will pick up again.

She will regain her motivation.

A few years ago, we asked people who observed the Hanukkah holiday to let us know whether they were lighting the first candle on the first night, the second on the second night, the third night, so on, until the eighth night.

As you can see, most people admitted to only lighting the candles on the first and last nights.

They were procrastinating in the middle.

The solution?

Make meals short.

A monthly exercise goal, a weekly exercise goal, even a daily exercise goal are easier because as the end is near, it is easier to stay motivated.

If only Hanukkah was just two nights.

Another problem with middles is that you're going to experience setbacks, and when experiencing setbacks, it is natural to feel discouraged.

One wise solution is to remove your ego out of the picture.

It's not about it.

When you remove your ego, it is easier to learn.

When I was helping my 10-year-old son win a video game, he awarded me the title, a failure expert.

I love this title.

Why am I a failure expert?

Because I don't mind getting killed by virtual monsters.