The WOOP method was developed by psychologist Gabriele Oettingen. Professor Oettingen is a German academic and psychologist, professor of psychology at New York University and the University of Hamburg, and Princess Gabriele of Oettingen-Oettingen and Oettingen-Spielberg (no, seriously - look it up)!
She created this practical and evidence-based technique for setting and achieving goals effectively. The acronym "WOOP" stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan.
Here's a breakdown of each step:
1. Wish: This step involves identifying and clarifying your wish or goal. It's essential to be specific about what you want to achieve. Instead of vague wishes like "I want to be successful," try to define your goal in concrete and measurable terms, such as "I want to get promoted to a managerial position within the next year."
2. Outcome: Once you've identified your wish, the next step is to envision the positive outcome or the benefits of achieving your goal. Imagine how you will feel once you've accomplished it. Visualize the success and think about the positive consequences it will bring into your life. This step helps to reinforce your motivation and commitment to your goal.
3. Obstacle: In this step, you identify and anticipate the obstacles or challenges that may stand in the way of achieving your goal. It's crucial to be realistic and honest with yourself about potential obstacles. These obstacles can be internal (e.g., lack of time, self-doubt) or external (e.g., financial constraints, competition). By acknowledging these obstacles, you can better prepare to overcome them.
4. Plan: Finally, you develop a specific plan of action to overcome the obstacles and achieve your goal. This involves identifying strategies and actionable steps that will help you navigate through challenges and stay on track towards your goal. Your plan should be concrete, realistic, and time-bound. Break down your goal into smaller tasks, set deadlines, and allocate resources as needed. Having a detailed plan increases your likelihood of success and helps you stay focused and motivated.
The WOOP method is effective because it combines elements of positive thinking (envisioning success) with realistic planning (identifying obstacles and creating a concrete plan). By systematically going through each step, you can enhance your motivation, clarify your goals, and increase your chances of achieving them.