Rethinking Positive Thinking

Rethinking Positive Thinking (2014) challenges the widespread belief that positive thinking alone leads to success. It introduces a new approach called mental contrasting, which combines optimistic dreaming with a clear-eyed view of obstacles, allowing people to achieve their goals more effectively.

• Self-help enthusiasts who feel stuck
• Goal-setters frustrated by lack of progress despite positive attitudes
• Coaches seeking evidence-based techniques for their clients

Gabriele Oettingen is a professor of psychology who holds dual appointments at New York University and the University of Hamburg. Her research focuses on psychology and behavioral science, focusing on how thoughts about the future influence human behavior.