Motivation and successful goal pursuit: an iterative mindset predicts habits, weight loss, and work productivity

Habits are critical for lasting motivation, behavioral changes, and goal achievement. Habits are effective, in part, because they free up cognitive resources and provide resilience in the face of stressors. In the current work, we integrate neuroscience research on the role of the lateral habenular complex in sustained motivation with a mindset perspective to predict habit automaticity and ultimately health and work goal success. Specifically, we offer an iterative mindset approach, which comprises three key components: (i) assessing setbacks without triggering negative emotions by reframing and releasing failures, (ii) iterating to remain in-effort, and (iii) practicing what is working repetitively. In Study 1 (N = 370), an iterative mindset was related to automatic health habits and weight loss. In Study 2 (N = 915), an iterative mindset was related to automatic work habits and workplace productivity. We conclude with implications for basic neuroscience theory and applications to mindset interventions.