Researching Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation

In business we have many triggers that keep us motivated. For some of us they are things like $$$ (money), accomplishment, recognition, community service, our families, financial challenges and the list goes on.... 

As a motivator and creator of the MACsWomen's Group, I enjoy reading articles and books about business, self-development and how to maintain a positive mindset, which are crucial topics in the success of your business.  Which leads me to share with you a new book I discovered by Gabriele Oettingen:  
                           Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation
Gabriele talks about a four-step plan she's come up with from her years of research.

What is your dearest wish and what holds you back from achieving that wish? - Oettingen

Wish: First, define your goal. "Think about a wish that is dear to you," Oettingen said. "What is it you really want? This could be a big, New Year's–resolution-type ambition, like running a marathon or losing a certain amount of weight, but it doesn't have to be. "I do it every morning for the next day," Oettingen said on the podcast. Your wish doesn't have to be huge; it just has to be real, something you truly want. 

Outcome: Here's where a little bit of positive thinking sneaks back in. Keeping your goal in mind, ask yourself: If this wish of mine is fulfilled, what is the best possible outcome? "Very often, it is a feeling," Oettingen said. "You define that outcome, and you imagine that outcome. And once you've imagined the outcome, really immerse yourself in these daydreams." 

Obstacles: The previous step tends to be where people naturally stop — daydreaming feels pretty nice, after all — but Oettingen isn't done yet. After you've let yourself fantasize for a little while about what it will feel like when your goal is accomplished, bring your mind back down to reality. "Then you say, What is it in me that holds me back from experiencing that wish, that outcome? " Oettingen said. "Very often it's an emotion, it's those same old habits. ... And you imagine that obstacle." 

Plan: "Once you've imagined that obstacle," Oettingen said, "you'll understand what you need to do to overcome it." Come up with an if/then plan — if this obstacle pops up, then you'll do X to get around it and keep going after your goal. 

Oettingen's research has shown that this method has helped people eat more fruits and vegetables; it's also helped students achieve better grades in school, and it has even helped people act less insecure in their romantic relationships. Added but important couple of bonuses: (1) It's just kinda fun to say. WOOP! and (2) If this method has helped people of all ages in other areas, it could help you in your business too! WOOP!
Source:NYMagazine