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How experiencing and anticipating temporal landmarks influence motivation.
1Anderson School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|May 13, 2018
Summary
Temporal landmarks, like fresh starts, boost motivation for goal pursuit. However, their motivational impact can vary, sometimes even decreasing motivation depending on context.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Temporal landmarks significantly shape human perception and utilization of time.
- Recent research explores the motivational effects of experiencing and anticipating these significant time points.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how experiencing and anticipating temporal landmarks influence motivation and goal pursuit.
- To review explanations for these effects, including psychological separation between selves.
- To explore conditions where temporal landmarks may hinder motivation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on temporal landmarks and motivation.
- Analysis of psychological mechanisms, such as the 'fresh start effect'.
- Exploration of theoretical frameworks, including self-separation.
Main Results:
- Experiencing temporal landmarks can trigger a 'fresh start effect,' enhancing immediate motivation.
- Anticipating future landmarks can increase current motivation by evoking ideal future selves.
- Psychological separation between past, present, and future selves is a key explanatory factor.
Conclusions:
- Temporal landmarks are powerful tools for structuring time perception and influencing goal pursuit.
- The motivational impact is context-dependent and can be negative under certain circumstances.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the nuanced effects of temporal landmarks on motivation.
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