“Mental contrasting gives the possibility to overcome obstacles” Dr. Gabriele Oettingen, psychologist & creator of WOOP

From Doubt to Drive

This week with Dr. Gabriele Oettingen, a German psychologist and professor known for her pioneering work in the fields of motivation, self-regulation, and goal-setting. She teaches at New York University and the University of Hamburg. Gabriele Oettingen is best known for developing the concept of mental contrasting, a self-regulation strategy that helps people turn positive thinking into actionable plans by contrasting their desired future with present obstacles. She also created the WOOP method (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan), a practical application of her research that helps individuals achieve their goals.

Her book “Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation” challenges the idea that positive thinking alone leads to success, emphasizing the importance of confronting reality to foster meaningful progress.

The main learnings from this conversation are:

1. Only positive thinking can sap your energy
2. Daydreams about the future are important
3. Be honest about the obstacle
4. Mental contrasting gives the possibility to overcome obstacles
5. Doubts are not the problem, not looking at them, that’s the problem
6. Look at the wish in the context of your doubt

Tune in and listen to Dr. Gabriele Oettingen and learn how you can apply the WOOP method and other tools for goal settings and achievements. In addition, please check out the website (https://woopmylife.org) and downlowd the WOOP kit under the practice section and the new WOOP App.

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Recorded on May 21, 2024 via Zoom in Hamburg Germany (Dr. Gabriele Oettingen) – Bandarawella, Sri Lanka (Mario C. Bauer) – Hamburg, Germany (Florian Schneider),