Everyone likes to imagine success.
But just thinking about it can hold you back. Studies show that if you only picture the result, you may not take action.
Instead, think about both your goal and the challenges you might face.
This is called mental contrasting —a way to prepare for obstacles before they happen.
Psychologist Gabriele Oettingen turned this idea into action with the WOOP Method:
- Wish – What do you want?
- Outcome – What will it be like when you get it?
- Obstacle – What could make it difficult?
- Plan – How will you handle those challenges?
Put WOOP into Action
1. Wish – What do you want to achieve?
Example: "I want to lose 15 pounds and feel healthier."
2. Outcome – Imagine the benefits of reaching your goal.
Example: "I’ll have more energy, feel more confident, and my clothes will fit better."
3. Obstacle – What might make it hard?
Example: "I crave junk food, and I often feel too tired to work out."
4. Plan – How will you handle those challenges?
- If I crave junk food, I’ll eat a healthy snack like fruit or nuts instead.
- If I feel too tired to work out, I’ll do just 5-10 minutes of walking to get moving.
By having a simple plan, you’ll stay on track even when things get tough! 💪🚶♂️🍎