Dream big – then get real! (DW#318)
It is important to dream big and visualize success when we are setting goals.
There is, however, a potential downfall of such dreaming.
The mind is a strange and powerful thing. When we continue to dream about achieving our goals, we begin to feel good, right? Well, this tricks the brain into believing that we have already achieved the goal!! In essence, feeling good about our progress can make us reduce our effort.
So what should we do instead?
WOOP your goal.
Gabrielle Oettingen is a world-class researcher who has spent her career studying the science of making your dreams come to life.
In her book Rethinking Positive Thinking, she explains that although it’s very important to start with a vision of our ideal lives, it is not enough. In order to keep moving forward, we then need to "rub the vision up against reality."
Here is her WOOP formula:
W is for Wish
O is for Outcome (or benefits—the "why")
O is for Obstacles
P is for Plan
Start with the Wish. What do you want in life? If you could wave a wand and create anything (in general or specific to particular goal/project) what would you see?
Now, think about the Outcome you will experience when that Wish is present. What would it mean for you to have this wish realized? See it, feel it, make it REAL now.
Once you have a clear vision, it’s time to rub that vision up against reality.
What Obstacles will you face? Embrace reality so you can properly prepare for it and create the vision you dream of.
Once you have identified the Obstacles, you need to create your Plan. What’s your plan to deal with the obstacles so you can experience the benefits of bringing your wish to life?
Wish.
Outcome.
Obstacle.
Plan.
Start WOOPing all your goals and notice the difference it makes.
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