Article

Don’t Think Too Positive

Gabriele Oettingen

Aeon, 2016

Read the article

Read or listen offline

automatisch generiertes Audio

1×

Melden Sie sich an, um die Audiozusammenfassung anzuhören.

automatisch generiertes Audio

Editorial Rating

Qualities

Innovative
Applicable

Recommendation

Can thinking positively really help you change your life for the better? Many psychologists believe so, but studies by psychology professor Gabriele Oettingen indicate that the “power of positive thinking” has its limits and may actually inhibit success. In this detailed analysis, Oettingen offers persuasive evidence revealing why good thoughts alone won’t help you accomplish your goals, and she examines what strategies will help you make progress. getAbstract recommends this article to those struggling to move forward on important life and career goals.

Summary

Popular psychologists often claim positive thinking will help you accomplish your goals, but empirical studies reveal the impact of positive thought is more complex than many self-help gurus suggest. Positive thinking can, indeed, give you a short-term mood boost. But, ironically, the same good feelings that fantasizing about positive outcomes generates can actually inhibit your ability to achieve goals in real life. The reason for this is that positive thinking can trick your brain into feeling like you have already succeeded, thereby sapping you of the motivation necessary to work hard enough to realize...

About the Author

Gabriele Oettingen is a psychology professor at New York University and the University of Hamburg.

Comment on this summary or Diskussion beginnen

Sign in to share your opinion
J. L. 7 years ago

Don't think too positive, list down your wishes as well as obstacle, then take actionable steps afterwards, that's all

Don’t Think Too Positive

Read or listen offline

Editorial Rating

Qualities

Recommendation

Summary

About the Author

My Highlights

Comment on this summary or Diskussion beginnen

More on this topic

By the same author

Learners who read this summary also read

Related Channels