Psychology

Rethinking Positive Thinking: 6 key ideas

by Gabriele Oettingen

The core ideas of Rethinking Positive Thinking, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 6

   Fantasies can backfire

   Oettingen's research found that positive fantasies about the future can lower energy and effort, because the mind feels as if the goal is already reached.

2. IDEA 2 OF 6

   Mental contrasting

   Pair your desired future with the obstacles in the way.

   Seeing both creates motivation to act.

3. IDEA 3 OF 6

   WOOP

   Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan: name your wish, imagine the best outcome, identify your main inner obstacle, then make an if-then plan.

4. IDEA 4 OF 6

   If-then plans

   Decide in advance, "If obstacle X appears, I will do Y." It turns intentions into automatic responses.

5. IDEA 5 OF 6

   Know when to let go

   Mental contrasting also helps you see which wishes are unrealistic, freeing energy for better ones.

6. IDEA 6 OF 6

   Optimism plus realism

   The best results come from believing in success while expecting difficulty along the way.