Episode Details

Pure positive thinking sounds harmless, but what if it’s the reason you keep failing on the goals you care about most?

I’m Angela Shurina, and I’m unpacking a counterintuitive finding from motivation research: when we only fantasize about future success, our bodies can relax as if the win already happened, which makes needed effort less likely.

We dig into Gabrielle Oettingen’s work on the science of motivation and the practical technique called mental contrasting. You’ll learn how to visualize a goal in a way that actually increases follow-through. This approach applies to weight loss, fitness, career growth, exams, interviews, personal finance, and any long-term goal that demands consistency.

I also share stories that make the point real, from learning rollerblading through repeated falls to the “cost of getting lean” and the trade-offs behind visible abs. The big takeaway is simple: match the price with the prize, so setbacks stop feeling like surprises and start feeling like part of the plan.

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Brought to you by Angela Shurina  

Certified Health, Sleep, Performance & Executive Coach 360 with 18 years of experience helping people change to feel, be and do their best.